Dubai-to-Tel Aviv Flight narrowly avoids hijacking: Russian and Ukrainian pilots collaborate to avert crisis
According to Israel Hayom, a FlyDubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. As reported by Israel Hayom, the co-pilot attempted to deliberately crash the aircraft but was subdued. The plane was ultimately safely landed by two pilots—Russian and Ukrainian nationals—who were traveling as passengers on the flight.
Israeli media have revealed further details about the incident involving the FlyDubai aircraft. According to Israel Hayom, the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia prevented what authorities believe was a planned terrorist attack.
Israeli officials currently assess that the co-pilot, an Omani national, attempted to seize control of the aircraft with intent to crash it. The plane carried more than 170 Israeli citizens. The potential disaster was averted through the professional intervention of two pilots—one from Russia and one from Ukraine—who assumed control of the aircraft and successfully guided it to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia.
Passengers described the experience as extremely tense. They recounted sudden, steep descent, which triggered panic throughout the cabin. In the cockpit, a physical struggle ensued, during which the captain, an Emirati national, sustained serious stab wounds. Israeli passengers intervened in the fight and assisted in subduing the assailant. One female passenger noted that several individuals involved in the altercation had “blood-soaked shirts” afterward.
The Office of the Israeli Prime Minister stated that the situation is now under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe return of passengers.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877758348306715/
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