Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed a Flydubai pilot as a hero after he prevented a potential disaster on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, avoided a catastrophic crash after passengers subdued the attacker. The incident involved a violent cockpit fight between the pilots, resulting in a dramatic drop in altitude.
The incident occurred on a flight that was heading to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain with a knife. The cockpit door was opened by the captain, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the attacker. One passenger, Yaniv Hayun, described pulling the attacker out of the cockpit and restoring control of the plane. The flight was eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The emergency landing came after the plane lost around 17,000 feet of altitude in a minute. Aviation experts noted the dramatic descent could have caused significant damage. Netanyahu praised the passengers for their quick action, calling it a miracle that saved lives. The flight, which was a relatively new route between Dubai and Tel Aviv, was suspended by the airline following the incident.
The co-pilot, from Oman, is believed to have planned a 9/11-style attack. The attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia, and the airline has suspended all flights in and out of Israel while an investigation takes place. The incident highlights the risks involved in international air travel and the importance of passenger vigilance in emergencies.