Israeli Passengers Return Home Safely After Hijacking Attempt on Flydubai Flight

All passengers from a Flydubai flight that experienced a hijacking attempt and emergency landing in Saudi Arabia have returned safely to Israel. The rescue flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday evening, where passengers were reunited with their families. While most passengers required no medical attention, one man in his 50s was taken to the hospital with a minor chest injury. The Indian pilot who was stabbed by a hijacker and helped subdue him is in serious but stable condition, having exited life-threatening danger.

The incident began when one of the pilots reportedly stabbed his co-pilot over Jordan and attempted to hijack the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The plane transmitted emergency codes, including one for unlawful interference, and experienced a rapid descent of approximately 14,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled to the border amid fears of a major attack.

Passengers and off-duty pilots aboard the flight intervened, subduing the assailant and helping to stabilize the aircraft. One passenger, Yaniv Hayun, who confronted the attacker and helped regain control of the plane, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival. Hayun described the struggle, stating, "We are a nation of lions, of courage."

Following the incident, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev called for a review of Flydubai's security agreements, questioning why a pilot with dual Omani-Israeli citizenship, who may have been the assailant, was allowed to fly to Israel. Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel pending the investigation, citing the ongoing inquiry.

US CENTCOM reportedly assisted in communication with regional authorities during the crisis. The investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, is ongoing in Saudi Arabia.