A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a sudden and alarming drop in altitude after a cockpit attack on September 30. The incident involved about 180 passengers, mostly Israeli, and led to the stabbing of the pilot. Video footage from inside the aircraft shows two Kenyan flight attendants tending to the wounded captain in Swahili. The attendants' quick actions helped stabilize the situation before the plane made an emergency landing.
According to passenger accounts, the co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the aircraft to lose altitude. Passengers then intervened, forcing their way into the cockpit to subdue the attacker. Two off-duty pilots on board took control of the aircraft, which diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. The captain, identified as Smit Machchhar, an Indian citizen, and the co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the pilot appeared to have tried to crash the aircraft. "One of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers," Netanyahu said. Israeli authorities scrambled fighter jets towards the aircraft after air traffic controllers struggled to establish contact.
Passenger Daniel described scenes of panic during the incident, hearing screams and seeing blood on the floor. Another passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, mentioned that a doctor on board provided first aid to the pilots. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck, leading to the diversion to Tabuk.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitted an emergency code before sending a code used to indicate hijacking or unlawful interference. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as a "jihadist terrorist attack attempt", although Israel had not formally designated it as an act of terrorism.
No passengers were reported injured during the incident. A replacement Flydubai aircraft later took the passengers from Saudi Arabia to Tel Aviv. Netanyahu also stated that Saudi authorities were questioning the suspect. The incident highlighted the bravery and quick thinking of the flight attendants and passengers.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the motives behind the co-pilot's actions. The safety and security of passengers and crew were paramount, and the response from the flight attendants, passengers, and off-duty pilots was crucial in preventing a worse outcome.
Key points
- The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
- The co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the aircraft to lose altitude.
- Passengers and flight attendants intervened, and off-duty pilots took control before landing in Saudi Arabia.
