Why four pilots were aboard flydubai flight when the attempted hijacking began - exclusive
The additional pilots were added to the flight because possible regional rerouting could extend the journey and push the original crew beyond permitted duty hours.
Four flydubai pilots were aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an alleged terror attack inside the cockpit took place, leading to the aircraft plummeting and forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials stated that the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft, but passengers and crew intervened.
The additional pilots were placed on the flight due to potential regional rerouting, which could have pushed the original crew beyond permitted duty hours, making it impossible for them to operate the return flight within its allowed timeframe. One of the additional pilots eventually took control of the aircraft, while the other was initially in shock, and passengers helped restrain the attacker.
The incident has been described as a deliberate terror attack by Israeli officials, with the passengers and crew successfully preventing a major disaster.
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