Passengers subdue attacker who stabbed co-pilot on Dubai–Tel Aviv flight
An attacker stabbed the co-pilot and attempted to seize control of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, causing the aircraft to plunge 17,000 feet. Passengers and crew overpowered him and the plane made an emergency landing safely in Saudi Arabia with over 170 people aboard. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims investigations indicate the attacker, an Omani national, underwent Islamist radical indoctrination and intended to crash the plane, whilst the UAE is investigating whether it was linked to terrorism.
The co-pilot, Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, was stabbed but is recovering well. The plane lost 17,000 feet in less than two minutes before the emergency was declared. The attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia and will be transferred to the UAE. Flydubai has suspended Dubai-Tel Aviv flights pending investigation, though other Israeli carriers are operating rescue flights.
- Attacker stabbed pilot during flight, caused 17,000ft drop; passengers overpowered him, plane landed safely.
- Netanyahu says attacker underwent Islamist radical indoctrination and likely intended to crash aircraft.
- Co-pilot Captain Machchhar recovering well; attacker arrested in Saudi Arabia awaiting transfer to UAE.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Netanyahu says flight attacker ‘underwent Islamist radical indoctrination’”.