Cockpit Attack on Flydubai Flight and Background of the Incident
On a Flydubai flight, an Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the aircraft to drop thousands of feet before landing in Saudi Arabia following intervention by passengers.
A major crisis unfolded in mid-air on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after an Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain. The aircraft, which plunged thousands of feet, landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew subdued the attacker.
Attack During Flight
During the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot, an Omani national, launched a knife attack on captain Smit Machchhar for reasons yet unknown. The aircraft was in Saudi Arabian airspace at the time of the attack and lost thousands of feet of altitude within a short period.
Intervention by Passengers and Crew
As the injured captain managed to open the door, passengers and crew quickly rushed to the cockpit. Passengers and cabin crew aboard the aircraft made a great effort to neutralize the attacker and ultimately brought him completely under control.
Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia
Reserve pilots and other passengers on board regained control of the aircraft and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, a dentist on the plane provided first aid to the captain, who was suffering from severe bleeding.
Official Statements and Investigation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist training and was suicidal. While the UAE government launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, Saudi security teams also conducted the preliminary probe.
Transfer of the Injured and Current Status
The injured captain and the attacking co-pilot, whose medical treatments and checks were completed in Saudi Arabia, were transferred to Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning. The incident raised international questions regarding flight safety and security screenings.