TEL AVIV, Israel (TNND) — A FlyDubai jet bound for Israel made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after a cockpit altercation midflight, officials said.
Saudi state television said the captain and first officer were injured and taken to a hospital.
FlyDubai said Flight FZ 1073 sent a distress call about 2.5 hours into the flight and landed safely in Tabuk. The airline said on-duty FlyDubai crew traveling on the flight secured the aircraft.
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a co-pilot stabbed the captain and appeared to try to crash the plane. FlyDubai said the motive has not been established and the incident remains under formal investigation.
Public flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropped about 17,400 feet in less than 2 minutes before changing course near the Jordanian border.
Passengers told Israeli media they heard shouting from the front of the plane before the rapid descent.
Israeli officials told CNN they suspect the co-pilot, identified by one official as an Omani national, tried to hijack the flight.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said American officials are coordinating with counterparts overseas. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said early reports were conflicting and there were no credible U.S. threats tied to the incident.
FlyDubai said it dispatched two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew. Netanyahu's office said the situation was under control and efforts to return passengers were underway.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.