A South African pilot helped regain control of a Flydubai aircraft carrying more than 150 passengers after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The South African was travelling as an off-duty crew member aboard flight FZ1073.

The aircraft reportedly plunged about 5 181 metres, or 17 000 feet, during the incident. It was later stabilised and diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers survived.

Injured captain opens cockpit door

Captain Smit Machchhar suffered serious injuries in the alleged attack but managed to open the cockpit door.

This allowed passengers, cabin crew and other pilots to enter and intervene. Those who helped included the South African pilot and a New Zealand colleague, who were travelling as relief pilots.

Passengers and crew managed to subdue the alleged attacker. The report credits the injured captain and those who intervened with helping prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.

The South African pilot’s role formed part of a wider effort involving people in both the cockpit and passenger cabin.

Flight diverts to Saudi Arabia

After control was restored, the aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia.

The safe landing brought the flight to an end without any passenger fatalities, according to the report.

Machchhar underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia and was reported to be in a stable condition.

Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot and handed him over to the United Arab Emirates, which is leading the investigation.

Authorities investigate alleged attack

UAE authorities have described the incident as a planned “terrorist act”, AFP reported.

Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s motives and any possible connections to extremist activity.

Those possible links remain under investigation. The authorities’ description of the incident does not establish that any particular extremist connection has been confirmed.