Doctor Recounts Harrowing Mid-Air Attack on Flydubai Flight

Dr. Shota Musayev, a dentist aboard a Flydubai flight, recounted the terrifying moments when a co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. The aircraft plummeted 16,000 feet in approximately 30 seconds after the Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain. "We had seconds left, otherwise it would have been impossible to stabilize the plane," Musayev stated.

Three Israeli passengers subdued the attacker, restraining him with headphone cords. Meanwhile, Musayev rushed to treat the captain, who had sustained deep cuts to his head and hands and was bleeding profusely. Two other pilots in the cockpit worked to stabilize the aircraft for an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. "He was in serious condition with deep cuts to his head and hands and a lot of blood," Musayev said. "The attacker lay next to him, blocking access to medical equipment, so we pressed on his wounds with clothes to stop the bleeding."

Musayev explained he deliberately filmed the incident, fearing they would land in Saudi Arabia, be found covered in blood, and be blamed for the attack. During the cockpit chaos, passengers feared additional attackers and shouted for everyone to move back.

In recognition of the passengers' bravery in subduing the attacker and aiding the injured captain, Israel's President announced he would recommend them for the Civil Heroism Award. Musayev responded, "It's moving, but the most important thing is that we saved the plane and the pilot."