A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday following a violent incident in which the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot in an attempt to crash the aircraft. The shocking event unfolded over Jordan, with passengers describing a chaotic scene as the plane became increasingly unstable.

Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the co-pilot's actions were intended to result in a catastrophic crash. "The co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and basically carry out a suicide attack on the plane," she said. Ohayon noted that the situation escalated to the point where the aircraft was nearly out of control before other passengers intervened.

Reports indicate that several passengers, including a doctor, played crucial roles in subduing the co-pilot and stabilizing the situation. Ohayon described the collective effort of those on board, stating, "It was simply the resourcefulness of many people who took control of the co-pilot and neutralised him."

In a video shared on social media by Israeli users, a passenger was seen with blood dripping from a head wound, urgently calling for assistance. The man, speaking in Hebrew, informed viewers that they were descending into Saudi Arabia, a country with which Israel has no diplomatic relations. He reassured that all passengers were safe except for the pilot, who was injured during the attack.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding flight safety and security protocols, particularly given the dramatic nature of the attack. Ohayon's mother, Yasmin Abukasis, revealed that her daughter was on the flight to attend a memorial service for her brother, who was killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. She expressed the fear that her daughter and fellow passengers felt during the ordeal, stating, "She thought they were going to die."

Following the intervention of the other pilots on board, the flight was successfully diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where emergency services were prepared to assist upon landing. The situation has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced security measures on commercial flights, especially in light of such alarming incidents.

As investigations continue, the aviation community and passengers alike are left to grapple with the implications of this attempted attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in air travel amidst rising tensions in the region.