Flydubai Offers Support to Passengers After Hijacking Attempt, But Skips Compensation
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Flydubai emailed passengers nearly two weeks after a hijacking attempt on flight FZ 1073, offering support services but no financial compensation. Passengers criticized the delay and the airline's vague language, suspecting a move to avoid lawsuits. The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Flydubai contacted passengers via email nearly two weeks after a hijacking attempt on flight FZ 1073.
- The airline offered support services but did not mention financial compensation for the traumatic event.
- Passengers expressed disappointment, viewing the outreach as a "desperate attempt to mitigate damages" rather than genuine help.
- The co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hamami, attempted to hijack the plane bound for Tel Aviv.
- Captain Smith Macher was injured but, with passengers, subdued the hijacker.
- The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Nearly two weeks after a serious hijacking attempt on Flydubai flight FZ 1073, the airline has contacted passengers via email to offer support services. However, the company has completely avoided addressing financial compensation for the traumatic event, according to a N12 report by Dean Fischer.
In its email, Flydubai acknowledged the "distressing events" and stated that passenger safety and well-being are of utmost importance. The airline expressed relief that passengers arrived safely in Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft and offered assistance for any questions or concerns. "Flydubai is fully committed to providing you with support," the airline assured.
To facilitate this support, Flydubai established a dedicated contact channel, inviting passengers to email for assistance. The company also addressed the possibility of psychological or professional support, noting that passengers might already have access through their healthcare providers. If not, Flydubai has arranged access to independent professional support services and directed passengers to their dedicated email for details.
Despite the supportive language, passengers expressed significant disappointment and suspicion regarding the airline's motives. The delay in communication, nearly two weeks after the incident, and the vague wording, particularly the omission of any mention of compensation, drew criticism. One passenger told N12 that the communication felt like a "desperate attempt to mitigate damages from a future lawsuit rather than a genuine desire to help." The passenger described the delayed outreach as "unpleasantly surprising."
The Indian captain, Smith Macher, was severely injured during the attack but, with the help of Israeli passengers, managed to neutralize the hijacker. The aircraft made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
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