A Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia this morning after the flight’s copilot stabbed the captain in a suspected attempt to hijack the plane for a 9/11-inspired terror attack. The Times of Israel reports that a group of passengers stormed the cockpit, subdued the copilot, and helped stabilize the plane with assistance from off-duty pilots who were on the flight. No injuries were reported among the 180 passengers, 150 of whom were Israeli.
In a dramatic and graphic video from the plane, moments after the alleged attack on the captain by his copilot, the captain could be seen covered in blood on the floor of the aircraft, outside the cockpit, as passengers tended to him. A second crewmember was seen tied up beside him, seemingly unconscious.
One Israeli passenger told the person filming: “We were attacked and are guarding the pilot.”
Another passenger said: “They tried to murder the pilot. We subdued [the attacker].
Someone pointed to the bound man and said: “This is the man who… stabbed him.”
The plane dropped 17,000 feet in less than a minute after the captain was attacked. One passenger said the plane was even spinning as others fought to regain control. The plane landed about an hour after control was restored. Both the captain and copilot were hospitalized shortly afterward. The copilot, who had worked for the airline for less than a year, is being investigated by Saudi authorities.
The flight transmitted a distress code through flight-tracking data during the incident, and Israeli air traffic controllers were unable to contact the plane. In response, the Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets, though the passengers managed to regain control of the plane before the fighter jets arrived.
The Boeing 737 MAX was able to land despite damage to its rudder and vertical stabilizer, likely caused by the sudden evasive maneuvers as those on board fought for control of the aircraft. Passengers were taken to the terminal at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia where they were cared for, and flights are being arranged to bring them home to Israel.
We praise God that what could have been a horrific terror attack was averted thanks to the bravery of the passengers on board. Because of their courageous actions, everyone will be able to return home and embrace their families and loved ones once again. We also pray for the captain’s recovery and a safe journey home for all the passengers.