Pilot Stabs Co-Pilot on Flight Bound for Israel
On a Flydubai flight heading toward Israel, an Omani pilot attempted to crash the plane by stabbing the co-pilot; the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia thanks to passenger intervention.
On a passenger flight heading to Israel, an Omani pilot attempted to crash the plane by stabbing the co-pilot. A disaster was averted when passengers entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Terrifying Moments During the Flight
Passengers experienced major panic on a Flydubai flight approaching Tel Aviv, Israel. After the plane began to shake, it executed a sudden descent and lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude within a short time.
Attack Prevented by Brave Passenger Intervention
During the incident, Yaniv Hayun and other passengers who entered the cockpit managed to neutralize the Omani pilot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this heroic intervention prevented a potential disaster.
Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia and Rescue Operation
Following the mid-air incident, the aircraft was diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia and made an emergency landing. Passengers were later transferred to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel via a rescue flight.
Condition of the Injured Pilot and Official Statements
It was reported that the stabbed Indian co-pilot, Smit Machchhar, enabled passengers to enter by opening the cockpit door and is continuing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Flydubai and authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.