Israeli Passengers Sing, Applaud After Foiling Cockpit Attack on Flydubai Flight

Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv broke into song and applause upon landing safely in Saudi Arabia, following a severe incident in the cockpit. Israeli authorities are increasingly indicating that the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, attempted to hijack the plane and crash it with over 150 Israeli passengers onboard, treating the event as an act of terror.

According to emerging details, the co-pilot repeatedly stabbed the captain. Crew members outside the cockpit reportedly heard the commotion, broke in, and subdued the co-pilot, regaining control of the aircraft. An Israeli official stated that a "very grave disaster was averted." The co-pilot is under investigation, and Israel awaits further information from Saudi Arabia.

Evidence of the severity of the in-flight event includes flight data showing the plane plummeted approximately 14,000 feet in one minute. Passengers described seeing significant amounts of blood and feeling the plane lose control for several minutes. One passenger told i24NEWS that "the entire cockpit was full of blood" and that "the Israeli guys took control of things and caught the stabber."

During the incident, a distress code indicating unlawful interference was activated, prompting Israeli Air Force fighter jets to scramble. Communication with the plane was lost, and emergency consultations were held by Israeli security officials. The aircraft later changed course and briefly disappeared from tracking apps before landing in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli forces are present in Saudi Arabia to interview the passengers, who are expected to return to Israel without further investigation. Flydubai's CEO has arranged for another aircraft to transport the passengers from Saudi Arabia to Israel.