Israeli Broadcaster Ayla Hasson Calls Mid-Air Incident a "Real Danger"

Israeli broadcaster Ayla Hasson described a dramatic incident aboard a flight from Abu Dhabi to Israel, which is being investigated as a potential terror attack, as a "real danger and fear." The flight experienced severe turbulence when it was diverted to Saudi Arabia. Initial investigations suggest the co-pilot may have attempted to commit suicide by crashing the plane, which carried 100 Israelis. Reports indicate the co-pilot repeatedly stabbed the pilot. Crew members and passengers reportedly intervened, breaking into the cockpit to overpower the assailant.

The co-pilot is said to be of Omani origin, while the pilot was from the United Arab Emirates. A secondary crew of pilots, traveling as passengers for routine training, are credited with regaining control of the aircraft and stabilizing it. Following an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot was handed over to Saudi authorities for investigation, with Israeli intelligence agencies also involved.

A senior Israeli official stated that a "very heavy disaster was averted," noting that indications are growing that the co-pilot intended to crash the plane with its passengers. The official elaborated that the co-pilot stabbed the pilot in an apparent attempt to replicate a 9/11-style attack, either by crashing the plane in Israel or elsewhere. The intervention of the additional pilots prevented a dramatic catastrophe.