Cockpit Fight and Stabbing Incident on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight
Passengers and crew intervention prevented disaster on a flydubai flight where the co-pilot stabbed the captain.
On a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.
Scuffle in the Cockpit
It was reported that on a flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot stabbed the captain, briefly plunging the aircraft down by about 14,000 feet in an attempt to crash it.
Intervention by Passengers and Crew
According to statements by Israeli authorities, passengers and cabin crew entered the cockpit to overpower the co-pilot, and the other pilots on board landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passengers' Arrival in Tel Aviv
More than 10 hours after the incident, the passengers on board were successfully transferred to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on a replacement flight allocated by flydubai.
International Statements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a serious security threat, while US President Donald Trump stated that he had spoken directly with Netanyahu regarding the matter.
Identities of the Pilots
Official authorities stated that the captain injured in the attack was Indian national Smit Machchhar, while the co-pilot who carried out the attack was an Omani national.
Security Measures and Investigation
While flydubai emphasized that the causes of the incident are not yet clear, the Israeli administration announced to the public that security checks will be tightened for all pilots operating flights into the country.