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Passenger says pilot tried to crash diverted Israel-bound flight
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon described a loss of control during a stabbing over Jordan on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
A passenger said one of the pilots on an Israel-bound flight diverted that day attacked his co-pilot and tried to crash the aircraft, intending to kill everyone aboard.
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon described the aircraft as largely out of control when a stabbing occurred over Jordan. She said the incident happened on a flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to reporters through a speakerphone held by her mother at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, the passenger alleged that the co-pilot tried to kill the pilot and carry out a suicide attack.
She said the aircraft appeared close to crashing before several people took control of the co-pilot and subdued him. Her account credited their intervention with preventing the crash she feared.
The passenger also said a doctor provided first aid and that people treated both pilots. She described fear of a crash as the main concern during the incident.
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UAE investigates possible terrorism link in Israel-bound flight incident
The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday, October 1, that it was investigating a possible terrorist link to an apparent attack by a pilot aboard a flight to Israel.
Flydubai said another on-duty crew travelling aboard the flight diverted the aircraft and landed it safely. The airline also said it was suspending flights to Israel while an investigation took place.
Flydubai said all passengers were safe, but that the reasons for the altercation were unknown.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected the United Arab Emirates to lead the investigation. He also said Israel would join the inquiry.
Netanyahu credited flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and passengers with averting catastrophe.
India's embassy in Saudi Arabia said Machchhar was receiving treatment at a hospital in the country. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a hero.
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Flydubai suspends Dubai–Tel Aviv flights during investigation
Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while conducting its own investigation into the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a man stabbed his fellow pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The Flydubai aircraft plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey on Wednesday. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and regained control before the aircraft landed safely.
The co-pilot is being questioned in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made an emergency landing. UAE officials say they have jurisdiction over the incident because the aircraft is registered there and operates under their country's flag.
Israeli airlines including El Al, Israir and Arkia said they planned to operate rescue flights from Dubai starting on Friday to bring stranded passengers back.
Israel's Transportation Ministry also said it had sent an urgent request to Etihad Airlines to increase the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
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