Israeli Passengers Stop Plane Hijack Attempt
Israeli passengers overpowered a hijacker during a flight to Tel Aviv, averting a 9/11-style attack.
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Israeli passengers thwarted a potential 9/11-style hijack attempt on a Tel Aviv-bound flight after a co-pilot wielding a knife attacked the captain and tried to crash the plane, according to Israeli officials and passenger accounts.
Co-Pilot’s Attack and Passenger Intervention
A knife-wielding Omani co-pilot repeatedly stabbed his Emirati captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, aiming it toward the ground. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, first transmitted a distress signal before switching to an unlawful interference code, indicating a hijacking. Israeli Air Force jets were scrambled, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an emergency meeting.
The incident initially appeared to be a cockpit altercation, but passenger testimonies and security assessments revealed the co-pilot had attacked the captain with a pocketknife and taken control of the aircraft. Passengers then stormed the cockpit, overpowering the attacker and stabilizing the plane. Two off-duty pilots in the back reportedly assisted in the effort, with one passenger describing the scene in a video as the attacker being ‘neutralized.’
Emergency Landing and Aftermath
The damaged aircraft made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, a location with no formal diplomatic ties to Israel. Passengers, some still covered in blood, were kept on board while awaiting a replacement aircraft. El Al offered to send a rescue flight, marking a historic first for the Israeli carrier.
Israeli officials confirmed the co-pilot is being questioned, with evidence suggesting he may have planned to crash the plane. His motive and any ties to a terror group remain under investigation. Flydubai described the incident as an ‘incident’ and confirmed the plane landed safely.
Israeli journalist Amit Segal noted this was the first attempt in over two decades to hijack an Israel-bound flight, reminiscent of the 1976 Entebbe rescue. The captain was reported to be clinging to life, and the plane suffered damage to its steering and a wing, making the passengers’ intervention all the more miraculous.
The attack occurred a day after Netanyahu warned enemies that Israel’s reach is unlimited. Ultimately, it was the passengers on board who saved the plane and its passengers.
Source: Daily Wire
