Israeli Dentist Recounts Near-Fatal FlyDubai Flight Hijacking

An Israeli dentist, Dr. Shota Musaev, described his harrowing experience aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, where an attack by the co-pilot led to a mid-air struggle and a near-fatal plunge. Musaev recounted how he initially mistook the severe turbulence and rapid altitude changes for a technical issue, but quickly realized the gravity of the situation as passengers began to panic and the plane lost power. He and other passengers subdued the attacker, identified as the co-pilot, and then turned their attention to the severely wounded pilot, whose bleeding they attempted to stop with limited resources.

The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where passengers faced uncertainty about their reception. Musaev, who was traveling with his wife, detailed the chaos in the cockpit, the discovery of a knife and blood, and the efforts to restrain the assailant. He described the pilot's critical condition, with deep wounds to his arm, neck, and head, and the decision to land in Saudi Arabia to save his life.

Musaev expressed his belief that the incident was a deliberate act of terrorism, not a simple fight, and emphasized that the rescue was a collective effort involving all passengers, not just a few individuals. He noted initial suspicions about a flight attendant who reacted sharply, but stressed that no accomplices were confirmed. His wife also played a crucial role, providing moral support to other passengers.

Upon landing in Saudi Arabia, passengers were initially fearful due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the countries. However, they received a surprisingly warm welcome, with authorities providing medical aid, food, and psychological support. Musaev stated that the Saudi officials assured them of their safety and return home. The passengers later boarded another FlyDubai flight back to Israel, with the cockpit doors fully accessible for inspection to alleviate fears.