Flydubai Hijacking Attempt: Passengers Recount Crew's Suspicious Request

New details have emerged regarding the dramatic incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. One of the passengers who helped subdue the attacker, Zvika Mans, told the New York Post that the flight crew's request to release the assailant from his restraints immediately raised suspicions. "They asked us to release the terrorist from the restraints, we had no idea why," Mans stated. Daniel Schlichter, another passenger seated near the cockpit, added, "They said to release the terrorist, we immediately started suspecting them." A confrontation ensued when the crew insisted on remaining alone in the area outside the cockpit, prompting the Israeli passengers to fear their involvement and instruct the flight attendants to move to the center of the plane. The incident began when co-pilot Al-Hamami reportedly attacked the captain, using an emergency axe from the cockpit in an attempt to take over the plane, according to UAE authorities. The captain, injured in the assault, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and assist in subduing the attacker. The flight carried over 170 passengers, most of whom were Israeli. Following landing in Saudi Arabia, passengers were transferred to another flight to Israel, while the captain and co-pilot received medical treatment. UAE authorities are investigating the incident as an attempted "act of terror" to determine the co-pilot's motives and whether he acted alone or was connected to extremist elements. Following the co-pilot's apprehension, each flight attendant was closely monitored by one or two men, as authorities suspected them of being accomplices.