Passengers recount chaos as co-pilot allegedly attempts hijack on Flydubai flight to Israel

Passengers aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv described a harrowing scene on Wednesday after the aircraft’s co-pilot allegedly stabbed his counterpart and attempted to steer the Boeing 737 Max 8 into the ground. The incident, which Israeli officials have classified as an attempted jihadist terror attack, forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

“It was the most frightening experience we’ve ever had in our lives,” passenger Ron Levi told CBS News from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the flight landed safely. Levi recounted how the initial turbulence quickly escalated into violent maneuvers that he compared to a free-fall, with the aircraft pitching and rolling erratically for several minutes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a video statement that one pilot stabbed the other as the flight approached Israeli airspace. He credited passengers and crew for helping to “neutralize the pilot” before the co-pilot could carry out his plan.

Levi, seated with his family, recalled shouting from the front of the cabin as other passengers rushed to intervene. According to Netanyahu, an Israeli passenger and a crew member broke into the cockpit and subdued the attacker, who was simultaneously trying to sabotage the aircraft’s systems.

Miryam Shira Ohayon, another passenger, stated that the plane was “pretty much out of control” during the struggle, believed to have occurred over Jordan. She described the co-pilot’s actions as a suicide attempt on the entire flight, saved only by the quick response of other travelers.

The Jerusalem Post reported that passengers urged two off-duty pilots seated at the rear of the plane to take command. One of them entered the cockpit after the attackers were removed. Netanyahu identified this individual as the aircrew member who stabilized the aircraft.

Levi noted that it took roughly 20 minutes for the plane’s turbulence to subside. He described seeing individuals covered in blood and praised the interveners as heroes. Ohayon added that a doctor on board treated the stabbed pilot for unspecified injuries, though no other passengers were physically harmed.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the event an attempted terrorist attack. A security official told CBS News that investigators are determining whether the incident mirrors a Sept. 11-style plot and if the attacker acted alone.

Saudi authorities arrested the pilot and took him for questioning. Netanyahu stated that Israel is working to facilitate the return of the passengers. Levi mentioned that a replacement Flydubai flight had arrived, but many travelers were hesitant to board immediately.

“Honestly, I’m not even starting. We’re all shaking here,” Levi said. “I just want to go home.”