A co-pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly stabbed the pilot before interfering with the aircraft’s controls, prompting passengers to storm the cockpit and help restrain him.

The dramatic incident occurred aboard a flight carrying Israeli passengers, with reports saying the aircraft experienced a rapid descent during the confrontation before the situation was brought under control.

One of the passengers, Tzvika Manes, later described how passengers joined the effort to overpower the attacker.

According to his account, passengers entered the cockpit during the struggle and used cords from the aircraft’s in-flight entertainment system to restrain the co-pilot.

Another passenger, identified as Yaniv Hayun, was also credited with helping during the emergency. Hayun, reportedly a plumber, entered the cockpit and helped prevent the attacker from maintaining control of the aircraft.

The passengers’ intervention came as the situation inside the cockpit became increasingly dangerous, with the aircraft reportedly losing altitude during the confrontation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised the passengers for their courage and credited them with helping protect those aboard the aircraft.

The injured pilot was also praised for his actions during the incident, including his efforts to alert passengers and enable them to intervene.

The aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely, while authorities took the alleged attacker into custody for questioning.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s motive and the precise sequence of events inside the cockpit.