Cockpit Attack on FlyDubai Flight and Landing in Saudi Arabia
During a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to drop 17,000 feet before making a safe landing in Saudi Arabia following intervention by passengers.
On a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, after the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft, the plane plummeted more than 17,000 feet and safely landed in Saudi Arabia thanks to the intervention of passengers and reserve pilots.
The Course of Events
Two hours into a FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot attacked the captain with a knife. As a result of this attack, the aircraft rapidly lost more than 17,000 feet of altitude and entered a dangerous dive.
Intervention by Passengers
Injured captain Smit Machchhar opened the door, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the co-pilot. The passengers brought the attacker under control by binding him with headphone cables and restraints.
Safe Landing of the Aircraft
Two reserve pilots traveling as passengers took over the controls and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, near the Jordanian border. No passengers were injured in the incident, and the captain was hospitalized for treatment.
Investigation and Unknowns
While Saudi, UAE, and Israeli authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and the details of the weapon used, the attacker's identity has not yet been officially released, though it has been confirmed that he is an Omani citizen.