FlyDubai Passenger Recounts Harrowing Mid-Air Incident

Assaf Rajwan, an Israeli passenger aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, has shared his experience of an incident that led to the plane being diverted to Saudi Arabia. Rajwan described how passengers acted instinctively to help subdue an attacker in the cockpit, an event that left him deeply affected. He noted the varied roles passengers played, including one who maintained contact with Israeli security services, another who shared mobile internet, and one who used headphone wires to help restrain the attacker. Rajwan highlighted that an Australian passenger was crucial in establishing communication with Israel from Saudi Arabia.

Rajwan recounted that during the flight, which carried over 170 people, the aircraft lost control, leading to a confrontation in the cockpit. He and other Israelis entered the cockpit to assist in neutralizing the attacker. He described the passengers' actions as instinctive, driven by a desire to save themselves, their families, and others on board. The crew eventually regained control of the aircraft, which was then diverted to Saudi Arabia for a safe landing.

Following the incident, passengers were transported back to Israel. Rajwan later visited a synagogue and found a passage from Deuteronomy that resonated deeply with his experience, describing it as a moment of profound gratitude for life and the safe return of everyone on board. He reflected on whether this connection was coincidence or providence.

Separately, journalist Ben Caspit has criticized Israeli security systems, citing the FlyDubai pilot incident as evidence of significant failures.