Passengers Battled Attacker in Cockpit During Terrifying Flydubai Flight

Passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel fought to regain control of the aircraft after hearing screams from the cockpit and experiencing a rapid loss of altitude, according to a dramatic account from one passenger's mother. Yasmine Abuksis recounted that her daughter described hearing cries of "Help, help" from the cockpit, followed by the plane beginning to lose altitude and shake violently. Several Israeli passengers reportedly rushed to the cockpit, where they found the pilot covered in blood and the assailant nearby. The passengers then struggled with the attacker, described as having used a knife, to secure him.

During the terrifying ordeal, passengers feared they were about to crash, with some reciting prayers like "Shema Yisrael." Abuksis's daughter expressed a desperate need to return home for her brother's memorial service, who was killed on October 7th. The passengers eventually managed to subdue and tie up the attacker, emerging from the cockpit with blood on their clothes.

The incident has raised questions about security protocols, particularly how an individual could board a flight with a weapon like a knife. The passengers' swift and brave actions are credited with preventing a potential catastrophe.