---
title: "Israel Embassy in Moldova clarifies \"jihadist terrorist attack\" on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/86615/israel-embassy-in-moldova-clarifies-jihadist-terrorist-attack-on-dubai-tel-aviv-flight
published: 2026-10-01T10:13:00Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Israel Embassy in Moldova clarifies "jihadist terrorist attack" on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

> Israeli authorities have classified the incident that occurred on September 30 aboard the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as an "attempted jihadist terrorist attack." According to initial reports, one of the pilots allegedly attempted to crash the plane, but the prompt intervention of those on board saved hundreds of lives.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/22a5374b-438a-45f0-bd43-ad19ef7b9968.jpg)

Israeli authorities have classified the incident that occurred on September 30 aboard the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as an "attempted jihadist terrorist attack." According to initial reports, one of the pilots allegedly attempted to crash the plane, but the prompt intervention of those on board saved hundreds of lives.

Israeli diplomatic officials emphasize that the attempt to crash the plane was not merely an act of individual terrorism, but also a direct attempt to destabilize the strategic partnership between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a partnership cemented by the Abraham Accords.

*"Those who seek to destroy peace, normalization, and cooperation will not determine the future of the Middle East. Terrorism will neither sever the ties between Israel and the UAE nor halt the progress made toward a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous region,"* reads a press release from the Embassy of the State of Israel in Chisinau.

A plane crash was averted at the last moment thanks to the swift reaction of the passengers and crew.

Several Israeli citizens recognized the danger and took decisive action, according to the cited source.

*"The Israeli passengers on board displayed extraordinary courage and presence of mind. Upon realizing what was happening, they entered the cockpit, confronted and subdued the pilot, and helped regain control of the aircraft,"* the embassy added.

The aircraft landed safely, and an international team of investigators and representatives from special services is currently investigating the incident.

An alert aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered a swift security response in Israel. According to international media, Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the situation, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Minister convened emergency consultations.

The Boeing 737 MAX was cruising at about 34,000 feet when it began a rapid descent. Within less than a minute, the aircraft reportedly dropped to around 17,000 feet, according to timesofisrael.com.

The aircraft changed course while flying over Saudi Arabia and, for a time, disappeared from flight tracking services' screens.

The plane subsequently reappeared on radar and was located near the airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

**What happened in the cockpit?**

According to sources within Israeli security services, an altercation took place between the pilots: one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Another version suggests that one of the pilots attempted suicide, causing the plane to plummet from an altitude of over 9,000 meters. The other pilot reportedly intervened to avert a tragedy. Other information suggests that other pilots on board as passengers may have taken over the controls.

Footage captured by passengers immediately after the incident shows several people administering first aid to the injured pilot, while a crew member appears to be restrained.