Asaf Rajuan, one of three Israeli passengers who helped subdue the co-pilot of a Flydubai aircraft operating a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv earlier this morning, described the incident as a situation where “they decided it was a matter of life or death.” He added that he was injured during the ordeal, “but not seriously.”
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Flydubai terror flight: “We kept the terrorist pinned down for 55 minutes”
Speaking to Channel 12 News upon his return to Ben Gurion Airport, Rajuan described how passengers heard shouting coming from the cockpit and the plane began spinning out of control. The cockpit door was open, and he, along with two other Israeli passengers and crew members, rushed in and overpowered the co-pilot.
He praised the aircraft’s captain, as well as two off-duty pilots who happened to be on board as passengers and subsequently managed to stabilize the aircraft. “We kept the terrorist pinned down for 55 minutes,” Rajuan said, adding, “and we landed safely.”
He noted that passengers were extremely reluctant to board another Flydubai aircraft for the return journey, and that they “did not receive clear answers” from Israeli authorities. They requested a delay to the return flight so that the crew of the second aircraft could be thoroughly vetted — a request that was ultimately granted.
“Life is stronger than everything, and we decided to fight for it”
Rajuan went on to say that he is still in a state of shock. “I can’t believe that just a few hours ago I was in Thailand… on a family holiday,” he added. “I thank God… and everyone who helped” them survive the incident, said Rajuan, emphasizing that he did not face the ordeal alone.
“Life is stronger than everything, and we decided to fight for it,” he said, noting: “It’s hard for me to believe it ended the way it did… I am so happy to be here.”
