Israel says 'jihadist' pilot tried to crash flight from Dubai

Israeli leaders said on Wednesday that a "jihadist" pilot had aimed to crash a flydubai plane with mostly Israeli passengers, who overpowered him and prevented a "major disaster".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19, 2026. Photo by RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP

"During the flight, as they approached the country, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message.

He said he spoke to an Israeli passenger who broke into the cockpit as the plane started to plummet and fought the pilot who was trying to bring down the aircraft.

"Another air crew member who was on the plane entered the cockpit and managed to stabilise the aircraft," Netanyahu said.

"I salute these heroes, who showed extraordinary resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives; they prevented a major disaster."

Source: Citizen Digital