Flydubai passenger describes hugging his children as plane nosedived during attack
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a terrifying mid-air emergency when one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, causing the plane to nosedive. Passengers and crew successfully subdued the attacker, allowing the plane to land safely, while authorities investigate potential radicalization motives.
Why it matters
This incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in aviation security and the ongoing threat of radicalized individuals in public transport settings.
Image source, Adam Polovincik Image caption, Adam Polovincik on the Flydubai flight
A man has described how he hugged and reassured his two young children as their plane suddenly descended after one pilot stabbed the other in an attempt to seize control of the flight.
A Flydubai plane plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) in less than two minutes around two hours into its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, before passengers and crew overpowered him and retook control to land safely.
Adam Polovincik told BBC Newshour that he hugged his six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter "really hard" and tried to stay calm for them as the attack unfolded.
He praised the pilot who was stabbed and passengers who fought off and subdued the attacker, saying they were "true heroes".
The stabbed pilot is in a stable condition in hospital, while the alleged attacker has been arrested.
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