Israeli Passengers Thwart "Hollywood" Style Hijacking Attempt on Flydubai Flight

A dramatic mid-air incident aboard a Flydubai flight, which Israeli passengers described as a "Hollywood script," was averted Wednesday morning when passengers and crew reportedly subdued a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. The flight, en route to Israel, experienced severe turbulence and erratic movements, causing the aircraft's tail to break, according to passenger Oren Ido, a former Israeli footballer.

Ido recounted the terrifying experience, stating that the plane began to "fly and move from wing to wing," leading to the tail damage. He described how the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and attempted to bring the plane down. Passengers heard the pilot make announcements before he reportedly opened the cockpit door and collapsed. Another passenger then broke into the cockpit, discovering the co-pilot in control and attempting to crash the aircraft.

Fortunately, two European pilots, who were reportedly passengers on the flight, managed to take control of the plane and land it safely. Ido described the descent as akin to freefall, with personal belongings flying around the cabin and passengers reciting prayers in fear. He noted that his young children, aged 3 and 5, were on board, along with older children aged 10 and 12 who were visibly distressed.

Following the emergency landing, passengers were accommodated in Saudi Arabia, where Ido praised the hospitality, including private rooms, food, and medical attention. He mentioned that two Israelis who intervened in the co-pilot's actions sustained injuries, one to the head and the other to the hand, while he himself suffered minor bruises. Arrangements are being made to fly the passengers back to Israel from Dubai, though Ido expressed uncertainty about how many would be willing to board another flight after the ordeal.