Flydubai co-pilot attacks captain with axe during Tel Aviv flight, diverted to Saudi
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight to Israel planned a terrorist act and attacked the captain with the cockpit emergency axe during Wednesday's flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to initial investigation findings quoted by WAM, the co-pilot tried to take control of the aircraft after the assault.
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon reported the plane was 'pretty much out of control' when the stabbing occurred over Jordan. She said the co-pilot attempted to murder the pilot and carry out a suicide attack. Two other pilots on board intervened, subdued the co-pilot, and diverted the flight to Saudi Arabia. Ohayon noted a doctor provided first aid and others treated both pilots, with no injuries beyond the cockpit crew.
Ohayon was flying to attend a memorial service for her brother killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Her mother Yasmin Abukasis said her daughter 'thought they were going to die' and witnessed blood in the cockpit.
The flight landed safely in Saudi Arabia with no passenger injuries. Authorities continue investigating the incident as a possible terrorist act.