Why a copilot attacked the captain of an Israel-bound flight remains unknown
JERUSALEM — Investigators worked Thursday to determine why an Omani pilot stabbed the captain of a flight to Israel, causing the plane to plummet dangerously before others on board landed it in Saudi Arabia. Passengers on the FlyDubai plane — which was carrying 174 people, mostly Israelis, from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv — have described how the bloodied Indian captain managed to open…
Jerusalem — On Thursday, investigators were working to uncover the reasons behind an incident onboard a FlyDubai flight destined for Tel Aviv, which saw an Omani pilot stab the captain. The plane, carrying 174 passengers mostly Israelis from the United Arab Emirates, plummeted dangerously before safely landing in Saudi Arabia. Amidst the chaos, the bloodied Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and assist in stabilizing the plane as it descended so sharply that the rudder was severed.
Passengers described feeling helpless and in midair when confronted with the situation, stating that their actions were driven by instinct to survive. Asaf Rajuan, one of the individuals who helped stabilize the situation, shared his experience in a statement released by Israel's presidency. A regional official briefed on the investigation confirmed that the suspect, an Omani national, is currently under arrest.
Saudi authorities, along with countries including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Oman, are cooperating with each other to determine the motive behind the attack. Initial reports suggest that the motive could range from terrorism to mental instability, but all possible scenarios are being thoroughly investigated.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
