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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A man attacked the crew of a commercial aircraft mid-flight over the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, stabbing the co-pilot and attempting to take control of the plane. Passengers and crew members managed to overpower him before he could succeed, preventing a potential catastrophe. The aircraft, operated by Flydubai with over 170 people aboard, made an emergency landing safely in Saudi Arabia.
The attacker is an Omani national who was arrested upon landing. The co-pilot, an Indian national, suffered stab wounds but is reported to be recovering well. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has claimed that investigations suggest the attacker received Islamist radical indoctrination and intended to crash the plane, whilst the UAE is still investigating whether the attack was linked to terrorism.
The incident has raised serious questions about aviation security and in-flight safety during conflict or tension in the region. Flydubai has temporarily suspended its Dubai-Tel Aviv route whilst investigations continue, though other Israeli carriers are operating rescue flights for stranded passengers.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Netanyahu says flight attacker ‘underwent Islamist radical indoctrination’”.