Horror Flight to Israel Hijacked, Passenger Recounts Bloody Cockpit Attack

Dramatic footage has emerged from a "nightmare flight" from Dubai to Israel that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent incident onboard. Videos circulating online reveal the chaos and uncertainty that gripped passengers during the flight, with one passenger filmed with blood on his face, hiding behind a seat and pleading for help.

"I am here during a hijacking of a plane right now. We have taken control of the terrorists, we are about to land. Anyone who hears me, we need help," the passenger stated, describing the diversion to an unknown location in Saudi Arabia. He added that everyone was unharmed except for the pilot.

Another video shows commotion in the cabin as passengers and crew look towards an unclear event at the front of the plane. A passenger filming was asked to stop by a crew member. Shouts of "What happened?" and "Quiet!" were heard throughout the cabin, with crew members responding that they did not know what was transpacing.

Zvika Mans, CEO of Barak National Underwriting at Bank Leumi, was on board and reportedly helped subdue the attacker. He described the event as "incredibly traumatic," explaining that his wife heard screams from the cockpit and alerted a Fijian relief pilot. Mans and two others then entered the cockpit and overpowered the assailant, who had stabbed the pilot with a knife. A doctor on board treated the injured pilot, enabling the flight to continue its emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Miriam, another passenger, recounted hearing screams and seeing "a lot of blood" after the cockpit door was opened, confirming the pilot was stabbed. She expressed fear of crashing and praised the doctor and nurse who provided initial aid, as well as the Israelis and crew who neutralized the attacker. Following the landing, a replacement aircraft sent from Dubai to evacuate the passengers also had to return to Dubai shortly after takeoff. Israel is reportedly considering sending civilian or military aircraft to assist in the rescue operation.