I was on the Flydubai flight that plunged 17,000 feet after the cockpit attack. I didn't realize my life was at stake.
A passenger recounts the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 where a pilot was attacked, explaining how he kept his family calm mid-crisis.
Almog Italie, a 52-year-old digital marketing professional from Ness Ziona, Israel, was on FlyDubai flight FZ1073 when the plane plummeted 17,000 feet during a flight from Japan to Tel Aviv. Italie and his family were on their way back from a two-week vacation in Japan when their flight encountered severe weather conditions, including an earthquake and a typhoon.
As the plane descended rapidly near the end of the journey, with the stopover in Dubai, Italie initially thought it might have been a turbulence or a hijack attempt. However, he soon realized that something more serious was happening. People rushed towards the cockpit, and after a few minutes, Italie learned that one of the pilots had stabbed the other pilot.
The surviving pilot managed to open the door, and a few passengers subdued the attacker, helping to regain control of the plane. Italie described the sudden descent as terrifying, likening it to a roller coaster ride. Despite the ordeal, he remained calm and tried to reassure his family, including his 13 and 16-year-old children.
The plane was eventually diverted to Saudi Arabia, where Italie and his family received assistance from the authorities. A FlyDubai spokesperson stated that the company was committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and maintaining safety standards. Italie emphasized the importance of remaining calm during such situations, as it can be crucial for survival.
Despite the frightening experience, Italie remains a frequent traveler and does not let such events deter him from exploring the world.
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