Passenger Recounts Dramatic Fight to Subdue Attacker in Cockpit
A Flydubai flight bound for Dubai experienced a terrifying mid-air incident when a co-pilot attacked the captain, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Zvika Mans, CEO of Bank Leumi's underwriting company, was one of three passengers who intervened in the cockpit to subdue the assailant.
The drama unfolded when Mans' wife, standing near the cockpit while their daughter was in the restroom, heard a commotion and shouts from inside. She alerted a nearby off-duty pilot, who then called for backup. Mans and two other passengers rushed into the cockpit and managed to overpower the co-pilot, an Omani national, after he stabbed the Indian captain.
Mans described the event as extremely disturbing. Following the apprehension of the co-pilot, a doctor on board provided immediate medical attention to the injured captain. This intervention allowed the flight crew to continue the journey and land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia, where the injured captain received further medical care.
