Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a pilot on a FlyDubai flight stabbed a co-pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the plane, but passengers and crew prevented a disaster. The incident involved 174 passengers, including 27 children, on a flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after emergency signals were transmitted.
The pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, a Mumbai-native with over 13 years of flying experience, fought back against the co-pilot, an Omani national, who was suspected of trying to crash the aircraft. Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the attacker, according to Israeli officials.
Netanyahu praised Machchhar's actions, calling him a 'true hero' who saved 174 lives. The flight, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot was arrested there. The incident highlights the critical role of passenger and crew intervention in aviation safety.
The co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia, and the flight was diverted to Tabuk Airport. The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the importance of crew training in emergency situations. Officials have not yet provided details on the co-pilot's background or the full extent of the incident.