Israeli Airlines Launch Airlift After Pilot Hijack Attempt
Israeli airlines are rescuing citizens stranded in Dubai after a flydubai pilot stabbed a colleague and attempted to crash a flight bound for Tel Aviv.
A flydubai pilot attempted to crash a flight bound for Tel Aviv after stabbing a fellow pilot, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Passengers intervened to prevent the disaster, with one individual reportedly taking control of the aircraft to level it out before the plane landed in Saudi Arabia. The suspect is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities, while the United Arab Emirates investigates whether the attack was motivated by mental illness or terrorist intent.
Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli security system to prepare for further threats and is implementing new security screenings for pilots. While he noted concerns regarding Iranian-backed attacks ahead of Israel's October 27 national elections, he stated it is too early to confirm Iranian collusion in this incident. President Donald Trump praised the heroism of the passengers who intervened.
In the wake of the attack, flydubai suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv, leaving numerous Israeli citizens stranded. To address this, El Al Israel Airlines Ltd., Israir Airlines, and Arkia Israeli Airlines are organizing an airlift starting October 2, pending security clearance from the Shin Bet. El Al is sending empty planes to Dubai at its own expense, while Israir and Arkia Israeli Airlines have scheduled rescue flights with fares ranging from $279 to $299. This operation marks the first time Israeli airlines have flown to the region in over six months.
