A FlyDubai flight heading to Israel was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent altercation in the cockpit. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the co-pilot stabbed the pilot, who, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. This heroic intervention prevented what could have been a devastating crash, saving 174 lives.
Heroic Passengers and Crew Thwart Co-Pilot's Apparent Attempt to Crash FlyDubai Flight to Israel
Dubai, UAE – In a dramatic turn of events, passengers and crew aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv successfully foiled an apparent attempt by a co-pilot to crash the aircraft. The incident, which led to a diversion to Saudi Arabia, has been hailed as a testament to the bravery of those on board.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot, an Indian national named Smit Machchhar. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the assailant and prevent a potential catastrophe. Netanyahu lauded Machchhar's actions, stating, "He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals."
Assaf Regavim, one of the passengers who stormed the cockpit to stop the pilot, speaks to reporters outside Ben Gurion Airport. (Photo by Erik Marmor/Getty Images News)
The flight, FZ1073, was diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. FlyDubai confirmed an "altercation" occurred on the flight deck but did not provide further details, urging against speculation about the motives behind the clash. The airline stated that the underlying reasons are unknown and are under investigation.
The injured pilot, Smit Machchhar, is reportedly in stable condition at a hospital in Tabuk, according to the Indian embassy in Riyadh. The identity of the alleged attacker has not been released, and he is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities.
One passenger, identified by Netanyahu as Yaniv Hayun, has also been hailed as a hero for his role in storming the cockpit. Flight data from FlightRadar24 indicated significant altitude fluctuations and an emergency squawk code broadcast before the diversion, showing the aircraft dropping from over 14,000 feet in just 29 seconds, with extreme vertical speeds observed.
"Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals."
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