Panic Erupts on Hijacked Flight as Passengers Fight Off Attacker

New footage has emerged from the hijacked FlyDubai flight FZ1073, showing the terrifying realization by passengers that no one was flying the plane after the co-pilot attacked the captain. The video, filmed from a seat near the cockpit, captures panicked shouts of "Is there a doctor? We need a pilot!" as passengers learned the Omani co-pilot had stabbed the aircraft's Indian captain.

The incident occurred at 34,000 feet on the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Captain Smit Machchhar was reportedly knifed by his co-pilot while fighting to maintain control of the aircraft and protect the 174 people on board. The plane plummeted by 14,125 feet in just 29 seconds following the altercation, according to Flightradar24 data.

Passengers heard cries of "Take him out" directed at the cockpit and were instructed to "sit down" amidst the chaos. Dr. Shota Musaev, an Israeli dentist onboard, is seen in the footage rushing toward the cockpit to offer medical assistance. A passenger asked in Hebrew if there was another pilot on board, receiving an affirmative response.

Yaniv Hayun, a plumber, was among the passengers who stormed the cockpit to subdue the attacker, stabilizing the aircraft. This allowed two relief pilots also on board to take control and divert the plane to Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing at Tabuk Regional Airport.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Captain Machchhar was "stabbed in the head" and his arm was "split in two." The injured captain's actions in managing to open the cockpit door are credited with allowing passengers and relief pilots to enter and subdue the attacker, averting a potential 9/11-style disaster.

Six-year-old Nina Manes and her mother Tali also played a significant role. They were in the plane's lavatory when they heard suspicious noises and screams of "Knife! Knife!" from the cockpit. Nina's father, Tzvika, heard his daughter and wife screaming, "Dad, we don't want to die," which spurred him to rush toward the cockpit.

Dr. Musaev described the events, stating that after a sharp drop in altitude, shouting and "Knife! Knife!" were heard. He joined other passengers in rushing to the cockpit, where they subdued and tied up the attacker, who reportedly pleaded with them to kill him. Dr. Musaev administered first aid to Captain Machchhar, who was conscious but losing a lot of blood.

Investigations are underway by the United Arab Emirates to determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including any links to terrorism or prior planning. Israeli officials have indicated that the co-pilot may have been radicalized into jihadist ideology and acted as a suicide attacker intending to down the plane. Saudi Arabia has stated that preliminary investigations were conducted with UAE security teams, and both the captain and co-pilot, treated for injuries, have been transferred to Abu Dhabi.