Flydubai Plane Suffers Tail Damage Amid Suspicious Landing in Saudi Arabia
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli sources have claimed that the co-pilot of a Flydubai aircraft, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, from its flight from the UAE to Israel due to an emergency, intended to down the plane. The Israeli website ‘Ynet’ reported that Israeli interrogators are involved in questioning the Omani co-pilot in Saudi Arabia. Following the emergency landing, Saudi investigations commenced with Tel Aviv’s participation. Images of the aircraft after landing show damage to its tail section.
Officials at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia confirmed that they received a request for an emergency landing from a Flydubai flight. The airport declared an emergency, and the aircraft landed successfully. Both the pilot and co-pilot sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital, while passengers received necessary care at the airport lounge. Arrangements are underway with Flydubai to provide a replacement aircraft. Tabuk airport authorities emphasized adherence to civil aviation regulations and international air navigation safety agreements, with specialized bodies conducting further investigations.
Following the Flydubai incident, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his planned visit to southern occupied territories. ‘Ynet’ stated that suspicions of an attempt to down the Flydubai aircraft heading to Israel led to the cancellation of Netanyahu’s visit, and he proceeded to a meeting with Israeli security officials.
Hebrew media outlets have reported that the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, has taken charge of the investigation into the Flydubai incident. The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, is also cooperating with Mossad in probing the incident’s dimensions and the potential motives of those involved.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reacted to the Flydubai flight incident, stating that the consequences should not be the sole focus, but rather the intent behind it. Smotrich called for a response against any country he believes was behind the incident, without naming a specific nation. He asserted that anyone who attempted to bring down the aircraft and kill 180 Israelis should face consequences akin to those for murder.
In related news, Hebrew media reported another aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv rerouted back to Dubai mid-flight. The reason for this diversion remains unclear, with no further details released. Channel 12 reported that authorities are investigating the possibility that the Omani pilot involved in the previous incident held dual citizenship, potentially allowing access to the Tel Aviv-bound flight. However, this remains under investigation.
Yair Lapid, leader of the Israeli opposition, stated that no security matters even remotely resembling the aircraft incident were discussed at the previous night’s security meeting with the Prime Minister. He criticized what he termed media sensationalism, suggesting an attempt to exploit security issues for political gain, deeming this approach irresponsible.
Channel 12 also reported that Israel’s Minister of Transport has called for a halt to Flydubai flights to Tel Aviv. This request comes in the wake of the recent incident and intensified security investigations into its implications.
