Doctor Recounts Foiling Hijacking on Flydubai Flight to Tel Aviv

A doctor on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv described how passengers intervened to stop a hijacking attempt, preventing a potential catastrophe. Dr. Shota Musayev, a physician aboard the flight, recounted the terrifying moments when the aircraft rapidly lost altitude, dropping 16,000 feet in seconds. "If we hadn't intervened and taken control of the situation, we wouldn't be here now," Musayev stated in an interview.

Despite the intense fear, passengers demonstrated remarkable courage. Musayev, along with another passenger named Yaniv, rushed to the cockpit. "We entered the cockpit, I saw a lot of blood and that they had managed to gain control of the hijacker. We jumped on him, tied his hands, and secured him in the cabin," Musayev explained. He then provided first aid to the pilot, who had lost a significant amount of blood and was in critical condition.

Musayev expressed greater concern for the pilot's life, recognizing that the aircraft's stability was now in the passengers' hands. After subduing the attacker and treating the injured pilot, the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Upon landing, Musayev described a surprisingly welcoming reception from Saudi authorities. "Saudi Arabia received us with love, a team was waiting for us when we landed," he said, noting the immediate sense of security it provided.

Upon the flight's eventual arrival in Israel, the lingering fear and tension gave way to immense relief. Musayev shared his profound sense of security and eagerness to reunite with his family, stating, "I felt safe when we landed. That I was going to hug my family. I waited to see my children."