From Tel Aviv to Tabuk.. A map reveals the route of the "Fly Dubai" flight after its diversion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a pilot was arrested on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after allegedly stabbing another pilot in an attempt to crash the plane. Netanyahu told Afaaq News that the attacked pilot, identified as Captain Smit Machhar, fought back against the assailant despite being injured, and "managed to prevent a disaster similar to the events of September 11."

One passenger described how he tightened his grip around the neck of the alleged assailant (immobilizing him) before taking control of the aircraft to stabilize it; however, it was unclear who actually landed the plane in the end. The incident caused the aircraft to descend sharply and suddenly by 17,400 feet in less than two minutes, according to flight tracking data.

The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, and the passengers returned safely to Israel. For its part, a spokesperson for Fly Dubai stated that the company has opened an investigation into the incident.