Netanyahu alleges crew member tried to crash flydubai flight
The Tel Aviv-bound aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a rapid loss of altitude. The allegation has not been independently confirmed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that a pilot on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight tried to crash the aircraft and kill its passengers. France 24 reported that passengers described a struggle for control on board.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after losing about 17,000 feet in roughly a minute, according to Flightradar24 data cited by France 24.
The available information does not establish who caused the loss of altitude or independently confirm Netanyahu’s allegation. It also does not identify which flight-deck crew member was involved.
Flydubai separately said there had been an altercation on the flight deck and that crew members secured the aircraft. The airline said all passengers were safe and accounted for.
The flight, FZ1073, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed at Tabuk. Saudi airport officials said the captain and first officer were hospitalised.
