A flydubai flight bound for Israel saw a dramatic mid-air incident after an Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam Al Hammami, allegedly tried to hijack the aircraft and assaulted Indian pilot Smit Machara, according to reports.
Israeli broadcaster i24 News aired a short video said to be from the flight. In the clip, the co-pilot is seen kneeling with his hands tied behind his back, wearing blood-stained clothing, while passengers repeatedly call for police.
The audio in the video suggests passengers kept the co-pilot under control for a prolonged period before deciding to hand him over to authorities. Voices are heard referring to the time elapsed and indicating that police should take custody.
In an interview to the New York Post, two passengers who said they helped restrain the co-pilot claimed flydubai crew members asked them to loosen or remove his restraints. They said the request made them suspicious and they refused, insisting he could not be released under any circumstances.
The passengers also said they provided an oxygen mask to keep him alive for questioning, while alleging they doubted whether some crew members could be connected to the attack. They added that they told the crew they would remain in charge until the situation was safely resolved.
