Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight to Israel reportedly rushed into the cockpit and helped overpower a co-pilot who had stabbed the captain and allegedly tried to take control of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the incident occurred. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after plunging thousands of feet during the struggle.
The injured captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door despite being wounded. This allowed passengers and other crew members to enter and restrain the attacker.
Passengers intervene during Flydubai flight
According to passengers, the aircraft suddenly began a steep descent after the attack.
Yaniv Hayoun, one of the passengers who entered the cockpit, said he and others struggled with the co-pilot while the plane was losing altitude.
Other passengers and crew members then helped stabilise the aircraft and secure the cockpit.
The aircraft reportedly dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than a minute. The extreme descent was so severe that part of the aircraft’s rudder was damaged.
Passengers later described the experience as terrifying, with some believing they were about to die.
Pilot injured but helps avert disaster
Machchhar was seriously injured during the confrontation but reportedly fought back and helped create an opportunity for passengers to enter the cockpit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian captain and the passengers who intervened.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Machchhar was receiving medical treatment and was in stable condition.
Several passengers have also been praised for their actions during the emergency. Israeli authorities said some of those who intervened would be considered for civilian bravery awards.
Co-pilot arrested as investigation continues
The suspected attacker, an Omani national, was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are investigating the incident and trying to establish what led to the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has alleged that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination. However, investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
U.S. President Donald Trump also said Thursday that investigators were looking into whether Iran could have been connected to the incident, but there is currently no established evidence publicly linking Iran to the attack.
Flydubai suspends Israel flights
Following the incident, Flydubai announced the suspension of flights to and from Israel while investigations continue.
The emergency landing in Saudi Arabia allowed the passengers to escape what could have become a major aviation disaster.
The passengers later continued their journey to Israel on another flight, while the injured captain remained under medical care.
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