Thai Passenger Recounts Terror on Flydubai Flight to Israel

A Thai passenger on a Flydubai flight to Israel has described the harrowing moments when the co-pilot attempted to crash the plane. Wirawat Rogpan, a Thai national working in Israel, shared his experience on social media, detailing the fear and chaos that ensued.

Rogpan recounted how the plane suddenly plunged, describing the sensation as being on a roller coaster. Passengers who were not belted in, including children and women, were thrown into the air, screaming and crying. He noted that there were two consecutive dives and that he cried three times during the ordeal.

Amidst the terror, Rogpan praised the actions of the Israeli passengers who intervened. He stated that passengers began calling out for anyone with a medical or security background to help subdue the co-pilot, who had attacked the Indian captain. Within about ten minutes, the situation was under control, and the co-pilot was restrained after losing consciousness. Rogpan highlighted the significant time it took for the plane to find a location for an emergency landing.

Rogpan also expressed deep gratitude for the kindness and mutual support shown by the Israeli passengers, who checked on him and ensured he was okay, recognizing him as a foreigner and the only Thai person on board. He plans to seek medical and legal advice for compensation from the airline.

He also expressed sadness and disappointment over conspiracy theories circulating in Thailand suggesting the incident was staged, emphasizing that those on board experienced the terrifying reality firsthand. Reports indicate the co-pilot had been previously fired from an Omani airline for radical behavior and had planned the attack for an earlier date, but postponed it upon learning a friend was on board. His primary objective was to neutralize the captain, seize control, and crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport's passenger terminal.