Passengers describe confrontation with crew after flydubai cockpit attack
Two Israeli passengers who helped restrain a flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain said some crew members asked them to release him. The airline declined to comment while the investigation continues. The aircraft later landed in Saudi Arabia, and UAE authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack.
Two Israeli passengers who helped restrain a flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain have alleged that some crew members asked them to release him during the flight. Tzvika Manes and Daniel Schlichter told the New York Post that passengers refused the request and later moved crew members away from the cockpit area. Flydubai declined to comment on the crew’s conduct, citing an ongoing investigation.
The incident began when co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, identified as an Omani national, allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing Manes, Yaniv Hayoun and Asaf Rajuan to enter and overpower the co-pilot. The passengers said they restrained the co-pilot face-down, using zip ties and headphone wires to tie his hands.
They also gave him an oxygen mask. Schlichter said they wanted him to survive so that he could be investigated. Manes alleged that some crew members asked the passengers to untie the co-pilot and said passengers had no right to kill him.
He said the passengers did not intend to kill the man but wanted to prevent further danger. According to the passengers, the disagreement escalated when crew members insisted they were in charge and told passengers to leave the area outside the cockpit. The passengers then escorted the crew to seats in the fifth or sixth row, while another passenger guarded the cockpit entrance.
Reserve pilots travelling on the aircraft entered the cockpit and took control. The plane later landed at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Flightradar24 data cited in the report indicated that the aircraft descended more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident.
Saudi authorities handed the co-pilot to the United Arab Emirates after a preliminary investigation involving security teams from both countries. UAE authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack on Saturday. Flydubai said it was supporting investigators and coordinating with authorities and regulators.
No crew member has been accused of involvement in the alleged attack.
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