Netanyahu on Dubai Flight Attack: “Passengers Who Overpowered the Stabbing Pilot Prevented a Disaster”

(Photo: Itay Beit-On/ GPO)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon, addressing the attempted attack earlier that morning on a FlyDubai aircraft.

According to Netanyahu, “This was an extremely serious security incident on a flight from Dubai to Israel. Nearly all the passengers on the flight were Israelis. As they approached the country, one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot and, apparently, tried to crash the plane with everyone on board. I spoke with one of the Israeli passengers, who told me that the plane went into a spin and began to dive. He told me that, somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with a crew member, and together they subdued the stabbing pilot while he was trying to sabotage the plane’s systems.”

Netanyahu continued: “Another flight crew entered the cockpit and managed to stabilize the plane. I salute these heroes, who demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness and courage. They saved many lives and prevented a major disaster.” 

The prime minister noted that “all passengers are out of danger. The stabbing pilot has been arrested and is currently being questioned by Saudi authorities. We are maintaining continuous contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the passengers’ continued safety and their safe return home. I instructed the security services to prepare for additional potential threats. We are holding ongoing situation assessments and will provide updates as developments unfold.”