Industry Minister Tim Ayres says he is glad two Australians aboard the flight to Tel Aviv that was forced to land after a fight broke out between its pilots in the cockpit are safe.
A commercial aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv yesterday made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after issuing an alert that sparked fears of a disaster. One of the two pilots stabbed the other in an apparent attempt to crash the plane.
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu praised crew members and passengers for preventing a disaster by entering the cockpit and stopping the attacker.
Steven and Carol Moss, prominent Sydney businesspeople, were on the flight. Reached for comment, Steven Moss said he was struggling after the ordeal and declined to speak with the media.
“The plane safely landed in extraordinary circumstances,” Ayres told ABC News’ Afternoon Briefing.
“A pilot who’s really acted with great courage to deal with this situation and land the plane … and it’s a hell of a story.
“And I’m very glad, and the government’s very glad, that the two Australians are safe too.”