Thai Passenger Recounts Terror on Flydubai Flight to Israel
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Thai passenger Virawat Rogpan described a terrifying Flydubai flight to Israel where the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. Rogpan recounted sudden, violent dives and the subsequent efforts by passengers, including Israelis, to regain control. The incident lasted about 10 minutes before the co-pilot was subdued, followed by a lengthy search for an emergency landing. Rogpan plans to seek compensation and criticized conspiracy theories about the event.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane on a flight to Israel.
- Passenger Virawat Rogpan described sudden, violent dives and passengers being thrown into the air.
- Israeli passengers provided significant assistance and comfort to fellow travelers during the crisis.
- The co-pilot was subdued within approximately 10 minutes with passenger help.
- The passenger plans to seek medical evaluation and compensation from the airline.
- Rogpan criticized conspiracy theories circulating in Thailand about the incident.
A Thai passenger on a Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel described the terrifying moments when the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. Virawat Rogpan, a Thai national working in Israel, shared his harrowing experience with Thai media outlet ThaiRath, detailing the fear he and other passengers felt, and the assistance provided by Israeli travelers.
Rogpan recounted that the flight began normally before abruptly plunging. "Within less than 3 minutes the plane suddenly dived," he said, describing the initial dive as lasting about 5-6 seconds and feeling like a "roller coaster." Many passengers were not buckled in, causing them to be thrown into the air, while children and women screamed and cried. He noted there were two consecutive dives.
Following the dives, Rogpan described a sense of suffocation and difficulty communicating. He also observed that only male flight attendants were present on the flight. The situation was brought under control within approximately 10 minutes, with passengers helping to restrain the incapacitated co-pilot.
After the immediate crisis, the flight faced a prolonged period searching for a diversion airport for an emergency landing. Rogpan specifically praised the Israeli passengers for their concern and assistance, noting their efforts to check on him as the only foreigner on board. He considered them "very good people" who continuously ensured his well-being.
Despite the flight ultimately landing safely, Rogpan stated the incident left a significant psychological impact. He plans to seek medical evaluation to support a potential lawsuit against the airline for compensation, as advised by his lawyer. Rogpan also expressed sadness and disappointment over conspiracy theories circulating in Thailand suggesting the incident was staged by Jewish individuals, emphasizing that those present experienced the reality of the event.
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