On September 30, 2026, a flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a co-pilot attacked and stabbed the pilot. The incident occurred over Jordan, and a passenger described the plane as "pretty much out of control" during the attack. The co-pilot's actions were thwarted by passengers and crew, who managed to subdue him and prevent a crash. The plane eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon recounted the terrifying experience to reporters via speakerphone, stating that the co-pilot tried to "murder the pilot and basically carry out a suicide attack on the plane." She praised the resourcefulness of fellow passengers who intervened to neutralize the co-pilot. Ohayon's mother, Yasmin Abukasis, revealed that her daughter was on the flight to attend a service for her brother killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
A video from inside the plane, reposted by Israeli social media users, showed a passenger with a bloodied head pleading for assistance. The man, in Hebrew, stated that they were preparing to land in an unknown area and requested help. Israeli authorities have claimed that the incident was a "terror attack." The passengers and crew managed to respond effectively to the emergency, with a doctor providing first aid to those injured.
Two other pilots on board took charge and diverted the plane to Saudi Arabia, ensuring the safety of all on board. Abukasis told AFP that one woman entered the cockpit and witnessed significant bloodshed. The swift actions of the passengers and crew likely prevented a catastrophic outcome. The incident has raised concerns about air safety and security.
The Israeli government has condemned the incident, with some officials labeling it a terrorist attack. The incident has sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. flydubai, the airline operating the flight, has not released an official statement on the incident. Authorities are working to understand the motivations behind the co-pilot's actions.
The flight's diversion to Saudi Arabia, a country with no diplomatic relations with Israel, added complexity to the situation. The passengers and crew were eventually able to communicate with authorities and secure a safe landing. The incident highlights the importance of effective emergency response procedures and cooperation among passengers and crew.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the attack. Israeli officials have expressed gratitude to the passengers and crew for their bravery and quick thinking. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in ensuring air safety and security.
Key points
- The co-pilot's attack on the pilot was thwarted by passengers and crew, who managed to subdue him and prevent a crash.
- The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with no further incident.
- Israeli authorities have claimed that the incident was a "terror attack," and an investigation is underway.
