A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30 after a reported altercation between the pilot and co-pilot, according to multiple reports. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced a steep descent and emitted emergency transponder codes 7700 and 7500, which signal a general emergency and possible hijacking, respectively. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of the pilots stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The pilot was hospitalized in stable condition and identified by the Indian Embassy as Smit Machchhar, while the co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, was arrested and is being questioned by Saudi authorities. Passenger testimonies indicate that the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot with a pocket knife, leading to a violent struggle in the cockpit. Some passengers reported hearing screams and seeing blood after the cockpit door was opened. Several passengers and crew members intervened, helping to neutralize the co-pilot and regain control of the aircraft. Yitzhak Lieber, one of the passengers who helped subdue the co-pilot, said the pilot was seriously injured and the other pilot, also injured, managed to land the plane. Israeli officials have considered the possibility of a "terrorist" or "jihadist attack attempt," with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stating that a terrorist tried to crash the plane to assassinate the 180 Israelis on board. Defense Minister Israel Katz also mentioned a "jihadist attack attempt." However, the airline Flydubai has not confirmed the sequence of events and stated that the reasons behind the incident are under investigation. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where both pilots were hospitalized. All 174 passengers, mostly Israeli, were unharmed and later resumed their journey to Tel Aviv on another flight. The Israeli government praised the "heroic" actions of the passengers and crew who prevented a potential disaster. Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel pending the investigation's conclusion. The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the circumstances surrounding the pilots' altercation.