Update: How passengers thwarted pilot attempt to crash Dubai-Israel flight [VIDEO]

Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel reportedly intervened to prevent a major disaster after an alleged cockpit attack sent the aircraft into a steep descent before it was diverted to Saudi Arabia.

The incident occurred Wednesday, September 30, aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The aircraft was carrying about 180 people, most of them Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “very serious security incident,” saying one pilot stabbed the other as the aircraft approached Israel and allegedly attempted to crash the plane.

According to Netanyahu, he spoke with an Israeli passenger who said the aircraft suddenly went into a spin and began diving. The passenger and a crew member reportedly managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker while he was attempting to interfere with the aircraft’s systems.

Netanyahu praised the passengers for their intervention, saying their actions helped prevent what could have become a major disaster.

READ ALSO: Flydubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after cockpit violence, hijack alert [VDEO]

The aircraft reportedly lost thousands of metres in altitude during the incident. Flight-tracking data showed it descending rapidly from around 34,000 feet to approximately 17,000 feet in less than a minute before recovering. The aircraft also transmitted emergency transponder code 7700 before briefly switching to code 7500, which indicates unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

Other pilots who were travelling as passengers reportedly entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft. The plane subsequently diverted from its route and landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Flydubai confirmed that flight FZ1073 had experienced an incident while en route to Tel Aviv and said the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers and crew accounted for. The airline said it was cooperating with relevant authorities investigating the incident.

Saudi authorities reportedly arrested the pilot accused of the attack and began questioning him.

Israeli officials are investigating the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident. While some Israeli officials have described it as a suspected terror attack, reports indicate that investigators were initially examining different possibilities, and the circumstances remain subject to investigation.

Israeli authorities have maintained contact with Saudi officials over the passengers’ welfare and arrangements for their return to Israel.

The incident has triggered heightened security assessments in Israel, with Netanyahu ordering security agencies to prepare for possible additional threats while the investigation continues.