Flydubai Passenger Recounts Near-Fatal Mid-Air Attack and Dive

A passenger on a Flydubai flight from Dubai has described a harrowing experience involving an attempted murder in the cockpit, a near-fatal dive, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Ofer Dubrovsky, seated near the cockpit with his family, recounted how a female passenger discovered the co-pilot violently stabbing the captain, Shamit Maher, approximately two hours after takeoff. The captain, despite severe injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other passengers to intervene.

Dubrovsky and several others subdued the co-pilot, restraining him with headphone cables and later plastic zip ties. During the struggle, the autopilot disengaged, causing the Boeing 737 MAX 800 to enter a steep dive, losing over 5,180 meters in altitude within half a minute and reaching speeds close to the speed of sound. Passenger Yaniv Hayun managed to regain control of the aircraft, pulling back on the controls to halt the descent. Two off-duty pilots on board then entered the cockpit to assist.

The flight crew declared an emergency, and fighter jets escorted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing due to damage to the aircraft's rudder. Despite the mechanical failure, the landing was described as exceptionally smooth. Saudi authorities provided immediate assistance, including medical and psychological support, while Dubrovsky's wife, a psychiatrist, helped calm distressed passengers. Dubrovsky himself facilitated communication with families by providing SIM cards and internet access.

After the incident, passengers were understandably hesitant to board another aircraft from the same airline. However, after a discussion with the replacement crew, who were briefed on the situation, and assurances from the passengers who had intervened, they agreed to board a replacement plane. The subsequent short flight to Israel proceeded without further incident.