Passenger Recounts Near-Disaster on FlyDubai Flight After Co-Pilot Attack

An Israeli dentist, Shota Musaev, who was a passenger on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel on September 30, described the harrowing moments when the co-pilot attacked the captain, nearly leading to a catastrophe. Musaev initially mistook the plane's violent maneuvers for severe turbulence but soon realized the danger was far greater. The aircraft rapidly lost and gained altitude, causing panic among passengers who rushed towards the cockpit. At one point, the electricity on board failed.

Musaev recounted how a young girl alerted passengers to the commotion near the cockpit. Another passenger, Yaniv, discovered the cockpit door open and a significant amount of blood, indicating the co-pilot had attacked the captain, leaving the plane largely uncontrolled. Musaev joined other passengers in subduing the assailant, eventually restraining him with headphone wires. He then attempted to aid the severely wounded captain, who had sustained deep lacerations and was losing a lot of blood.

With the captain incapacitated and the first aid kit inaccessible, passengers used improvised materials to stop the bleeding and administered oxygen. Recognizing the flight to Israel was too dangerous, the crew decided to make an emergency landing in the nearest available airport. Passengers remained vigilant, fearing the attacker might not have acted alone.

Musaev believes the incident was a terrorist act, though he acknowledged an investigation would determine the exact circumstances. He praised the collective response of the passengers, noting the absence of mass panic and the way everyone contributed to managing the situation. His wife also played a role, calming other passengers and praying with them.

The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, a country with no diplomatic ties with Israel. Passengers, many covered in blood, feared how they would be treated. However, Saudi authorities provided water, food, medical and psychological assistance, and internet access, treating the Israelis with unexpected kindness. A Saudi official assured them they were safe and would return home. The extent of the damage to the aircraft, particularly the rear, became apparent upon disembarking, reinforcing the passengers' sense of how close they came to disaster.

The return journey on another FlyDubai plane was difficult, with some passengers initially refusing to board, especially children. To ease their fears, passengers were allowed to meet the new crew and inspect the cockpit. Musaev himself reported not sleeping for about 40 hours, only fully grasping the gravity of the situation upon reviewing recordings he made during the flight. He stated they were "just five seconds from death."