Brave Passengers Subdue Hijacker in Dramatic Flydubai Cockpit Struggle

Zvika Mans, CEO of Bank Leumi's underwriting firm Barak Leumi, was among the passengers who stormed the cockpit of a Flydubai flight and neutralized an attacker. Mans recounted the terrifying moments to "Calcalist," describing it as a "crazy traumatic event." His wife heard shouts from the cockpit and alerted a Fijian relief pilot, who then called for help. Mans and two other passengers entered the cockpit and subdued the assailant. "I'm covered in blood. It was crazy," Mans stated.

Evidence from the plane suggests the incident began when the pilot attempted to crash the aircraft in a suicide attack, causing the plane to plummet from 30,000 feet to 15,000 feet in one minute. Passenger Uri described the experience as "freefall, like we were about to crash any second. Trauma for life."

Another passenger reported that the relief pilot crew did not function effectively. She stated that young Israelis, including former combat unit soldiers, took charge, calmed passengers, and assisted the pilot in regaining control and landing the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

Following the emergency landing, passengers were disembarked and have been awaiting a rescue flight for hours. One passenger noted the crew provided no information during the flight, leaving them without reception or internet and in complete uncertainty about the pilots' condition. After landing, a passenger with e-SIM capability helped others purchase data plans to update their families. "We're stuck here since 11:30, almost 2 PM," the passenger said. "Children who experienced near-death now need to sleep on the floor here and wait for the rescue flight."