Breaking

A FlyDubai flight from Sri Lanka to Dubai experienced a critical security incident when a co-pilot was stabbed in the cockpit by a fellow crew member. The Indian pilot who was attacked has been evacuated to Dubai for continued medical treatment, with reports indicating he was transported via Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that authorities expect to determine within days whether the pilot-turned-attacker had connections to Iran. Netanyahu characterised the incident as involving “Islamist radicalisation” of the co-pilot, suggesting potential extremist motivations behind the attack.

The incident has resulted in the suspension of FlyDubai operations, prompting El Al and Israir to operate rescue flights from Dubai. The Transportation Ministry is preparing a formal announcement regarding alternative flight arrangements for affected passengers, with tickets from international carriers starting at $249.

This represents a significant security breach aboard a civilian aircraft and has disrupted major air connectivity between Israel and the Gulf region, with alternative routing through other Middle Eastern aviation hubs now being utilised by Israeli travellers.

Sources: Ynet, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Walla