In brief
During a sudden descent, a father on a Flydubai flight hugged his children to calm them as the aircraft plunged over 5,000 meters after a pilot was stabbed. Passengers and crew collectively overpowered the attacker, securing the cockpit and guiding the plane to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident sparked widespread media attention, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressing potential threats and praising the heroes aboard. Despite the chaos, passengers were later treated with hospitality in Saudi Arabia and greeted amid cheers in Israel.
A man on a Flydubai flight reported hugging his 6‑year‑old son and 3‑year‑old daughter to keep calm as the plane nosedived during a stabbing incident.
A 29‑minute- duration dive dropped the aircraft more than 5,200 meters, yet passengers and crew overpowered the attacker, a fellow pilot, and seized control.
Polovincik described the panic—a sudden, very, very, very sharp descent—before hearing screams of blood and the realization that the cockpit was in conflict.
Stationary passengers fell to the floor, and a chaotic struggle ensued until a crew member and two other pilots brought the plane safely to the runway in Saudi Arabia.
The stabbed pilot remains in hospital; the attacker was arrested and will be transferred to the UAE. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed early claims of Iran involvement, citing Islamist radical indoctrination by the assailant.
Polovincik praised the brave passengers and the Indian pilot who opened the cockpit door, calling them true heroes. He also reflected that families with children were on board due to a Jewish holiday, adding that the scenario felt like a hand of God.
After the flight, passengers received food and water from Saudi authorities, despite no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, and were welcomed on arrival with music, flags, and cheering crowds.
