Israeli Passenger Recounts Foiling Hijacking Attempt on Flydubai Flight
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli passenger recounts subduing co-pilot with headphone wires.
- Co-pilot armed with a knife allegedly stabbed pilot and attempted to crash plane.
- Flight made emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers were safely returned to Israel.
- Israeli officials suspect a jihadist terror attack.
An Israeli passenger, Tzvi Mans, described his role in subduing the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight who created a critical situation on board. Mans, CEO of Barak Leumi within the Leumi Bank system, told Channel 11 that he and two other passengers managed to enter the cockpit and tie up the co-pilot, who was armed with a knife, using headphone wires. Mans' wife became suspicious after hearing shouts from the cockpit while on her way to the restroom.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the incident, stating he spoke with the Israeli passenger who helped neutralize the knife-wielding co-pilot attempting to damage the aircraft's systems. Netanyahu assured that all passengers were safe, the co-pilot was arrested and is being interrogated by Saudi authorities, and that Israel is in constant contact with relevant authorities to ensure passenger safety and their return home.
Preliminary investigations suggest the co-pilot, an Omani national, stabbed the pilot, an Indian national, and attempted to crash the plane. The crew, with the help of passengers, managed to subdue the alleged perpetrator. Video footage from the plane shows the injured pilot receiving medical attention on the floor near the cockpit, with blood visible on the wall. Another video captures an Israeli passenger appealing for help, stating they have neutralized the "terrorists" and are preparing for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passengers were later flown back to Israel on a special Flydubai flight. Israeli intelligence agencies suspect an attempted terrorist attack, though a link to Iran has not been confirmed. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the incident a "jihadist terror attack" thwarted by the heroism of Israeli passengers, who he said prevented the pilot from destroying the plane. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishar party, praised the "Israeli bravery and solidarity" displayed by the passengers.
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