A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers and off-duty crew members subdued the attacker, and the injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door before receiving treatment.
Passengers aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 experienced moments of terror when the Boeing 737 plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds over Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 170 passengers primarily of Israeli citizenship alongside four U.S. citizens, was nearing its destination of Tel Aviv when a violent struggle erupted inside the cockpit on September 30.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the flight captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, was attacked with a knife by his co-pilot in what officials described as an attempted crash. Witnesses on board reported hearing screams and seeing heavy blood in the cockpit as the aircraft descended rapidly. An Israeli security official told CBS News that authorities were investigating the possibility the incident could have been an attempted Sept. 11-style terror attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu told Fox News it was too early to say
if Iran was involved.
Passenger Intervention and Cockpit Struggle in Flight FZ1073
As the aircraft lost altitude, passengers near the front of the cabin rushed toward the fortified flight deck. Yaniv Hayun, an Israeli passenger with an aviation background, recounted grabbing the attacker and putting him in a chokehold while trying to pull the aircraft controls back to level the plane. Other passengers joined the effort after the wounded captain managed to unlock the armored door before collapsing. Passengers reported hearing screams from the cockpit and calling out prayers during the steep descent.
Musayev, an Israeli dentist seated in row 13, rushed forward and helped bind the suspect’s hands and legs using cords from a headset once the attacker was pulled from the cockpit according to ABC News reporting. Musayev then applied pressure to Captain Machchhar’s severe head, neck, and hand wounds while reassuring him, while a nurse and a doctor on board also provided emergency first aid.
Emergency Divert to Tabuk and Saudi Authorities’ Response
With the primary captain incapacitated and the suspect restrained, a second flight crew riding on board took over the controls. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Abdulaziz international airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, touching down safely at 9:45 a.m. local time with 174 passengers and eight crew members.
The Saudi Interior Ministry reported that all necessary care was provided following the landing. The captain and co-pilot were taken to the hospital for treatment, while other crew members and passengers waited before boarding a replacement Flydubai aircraft later that evening at about 5:40 p.m. to continue their journey to Tel Aviv.
Investigation Into Motives and Diplomatic Transfers
Security officials and prosecutors from multiple nations have launched inquiries into the incident. The UAE chief prosecutor, Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, opened an investigation to examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident. The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority also announced an operational and security review. Israeli officials stated that personal information gathered during questioning indicated the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.
United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally told Netanyahu that he expected Saudi authorities to transfer the co-pilot to the UAE for questioning. Saudi Arabia subsequently announced that the co-pilot had been transferred to the UAE accompanied by an Emirati security team after being medically cleared.
Rescue Praise and Recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi both praised Captain Machchhar for his valor during the crisis. Modi lauded the pilot on social media, stating that his bravery helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
After receiving initial treatment at a Saudi hospital and achieving improved health, Captain Machchhar left for Abu Dhabi. The Indian ambassador to the UAE visited the captain and his family, confirming that the veteran pilot was recovering well and expressing gratitude for the collective effort of everyone involved.