Co-pilot’s Attack on Flydubai Pilot: Passengers Share Their Experiences

Passengers from Israel have recounted how they managed to subdue a co-pilot who attempted to crash a Flydubai flight after attacking the pilot with a knife. As the aircraft was descending rapidly, many passengers forcibly rushed to the cockpit and successfully restrained the assailant. Subsequently, two crew members regained control and executed an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Indian national and injured pilot Smith Machhar was praised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for opening the cockpit door and preventing a major disaster. Flydubai has announced the suspension of all flights to Israel until the investigation into the incident is complete.

Passenger Almog Italy described the sudden drop of the plane during the flight as similar to the weightlessness experienced on a rollercoaster. He said, “The intense and terrifying G-forces caused the plane to plunge like a rollercoaster.” When the plane began dropping for a second time, he observed people running towards the cockpit.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also stated that Saudi Arabia is conducting an investigation into the co-pilot who initiated the attack. US President Donald Trump praised the Flydubai pilot, calling him a “hero.” According to Trump, the pilot confronted the co-pilot’s knife attack, opened the cockpit door to seek help, and successfully prevented the plane from crashing.