FlyDubai Flight Diverted After Pilot Attack Averted by Passengers
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Passengers and extra crew subdued a co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain and tried to crash a FlyDubai flight.
- The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a rapid, near 14,000-foot altitude drop.
- Four pilots were on board as a precaution against potential flight delays due to regional issues.
- Israeli officials are investigating the incident as a deliberate jihadist terrorist attack.
- Passengers restrained the suspect, and an Israeli dentist treated the injured captain.
A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the Boeing 737. The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude, dropping nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, and transmitted an emergency code indicating an unlawful act aboard. Israeli officials stated the co-pilot stabbed the captain and tried to cause the plane to crash, but passengers and crew intervened.
According to a source close to the matter, the flight carried four pilots as a precautionary measure. Two additional pilots were on board to allow for a crew change if regional disruptions caused longer flight times, which could exceed the initial crew's legal duty hours. This arrangement was not related to any prior security alert.
During the incident, passengers rushed the cockpit. An Israeli passenger recounted having to rouse the two extra pilots, who were in the cabin, to take control of the aircraft. One pilot entered the cockpit and regained control, while the other appeared shocked. Israeli passengers subdued and restrained the alleged assailant. An Israeli dentist provided medical attention to the injured captain.
Israeli fighter jets were scrambled during the incident. The flight was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the suspect was detained. FlyDubai confirmed an altercation occurred in the cockpit and stated its traveling personnel secured the aircraft, diverted it, and landed it safely, urging against premature conclusions about the suspect's motives.
Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, characterized the event as a deliberate terrorist attack, with Katz calling it a "jihadist terrorist attack attempt." Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew for preventing a major disaster.
Read the original at i24NEWS FrenchMentioned
