Flydubai Passengers Return to Israel After Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia (Video)

A flydubai rescue flight carrying about 180 passengers has arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport after an earlier Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was forced to land in Saudi Arabia.

The passengers, most of whom are Israeli, had been stranded at Tabuk Airport after the earlier flight experienced a serious incident involving its cockpit crew. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot, reportedly in an attempt to take control of the aircraft.

The flight subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk. A replacement flydubai aircraft was later sent to Saudi Arabia to bring the passengers back to Israel.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, described the incident as an alleged jihadist terrorist attack attempt. He said several Israeli passengers entered the cockpit, overpowered the alleged attacker and helped restore control of the aircraft.

Meanwhile, Magen David Adom said its medical teams examined the passengers after their arrival. One 51-year-old man was taken to hospital in good condition after suffering upper-body trauma.

Videos reportedly recorded by passengers show the aircraft making a rapid descent during the incident. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane dropped more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

The aircraft also appears to have suffered damage to its rudder. Further details about the incident and the condition of the pilot remain under investigation.