The two additional pilots who helped bring flydubai Flight FZ1073 to safety were aboard because of concerns about possible regional diversions, not an advance security warning.

A person familiar with the arrangement said an unexpected rerouting could have added hours to the journey, leaving the original crew unable to operate the return flight within permitted duty limits. The airline therefore assigned four pilots rather than two.

That precaution became critical on September 30, when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, Israeli officials said. Passengers and crew intervened, allowing the additional pilots to land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

An Israeli passenger interviewed said he focused on getting the additional pilots, seated farther back in the cabin, to the cockpit as others fought the attacker. “I had to shake them to get them to move to the front and take control of the plane,” he said.

According to his account, one pilot took control while the other initially appeared stunned. Passengers used charging cables to restrain the attacker, and an Israeli dentist treated the wounded captain. The Post noted that the detailed sequence described by the witness had not been independently verified.

Flydubai confirmed a cockpit altercation and the safe landing, but cautioned against speculation about the cause. The motive remained under investigation.