Mystery Pilots Took Control of FlyDubai Jet After Attack

Two reserve pilots aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 successfully landed the aircraft after a co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. The reserve crew was on board as a standard operational measure due to potential flight disruptions in the region that could have extended flight times beyond crew limits. They were scheduled to fly the return leg of the journey.

Following the attack, during which passengers subdued the assailant, the reserve pilots entered the cockpit. While passengers initially helped stabilize the aircraft, one of the reserve pilots, identified as "James," took control. Passengers described James as an English speaker, possibly British, South African, or New Zealander, though his surname remains unconfirmed. The second reserve pilot, described as European, reportedly fled to the rear of the plane in fear during the initial attack, according to one unverified audio recording.

Passenger Yaniv Hayun recounted that he first pulled back on the controls to stop the plane's dive, after which a reserve pilot took over. Another account suggests that both reserve pilots entered the cockpit and helped regain control, with the Israeli Ambassador to India stating they brought the plane to a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. However, a more detailed account from Hayun indicates that James ultimately performed the landing.

The identities of the reserve pilots have not been officially released, possibly because the investigation is ongoing and they are considered key witnesses or potential participants in the emergency response. The article notes that the presence of a ready, qualified reserve crew significantly altered the situation, preventing a scenario where the flight might have been unmanageable with only incapacitated pilots.

Authorities reported 174 passengers and eight crew members on board. The captain and the assailant co-pilot were hospitalized in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further investigation. The Israeli Ambassador to India suggested the incident was likely a jihadist terrorist attack targeting Israel and the UAE, related to the Abraham Accords.