FlyDubai suspends flights to and from Israel after pilot stabbing
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker, according to officials.
FlyDubai, a prominent airline in the Middle East, has suspended its flights to and from Israel following a pilot stabbing incident. This unprecedented suspension comes after a pilot allegedly attacked another pilot mid-flight, leading to a severe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday, causing the plane to plummet thousands of feet before being safely brought to the ground by a second pair of FlyDubai pilots.
The incident took place during the approximately four-hour flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with most passengers reportedly being Israeli. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his shock, suggesting the assailant tried to crash the plane intentionally. Capt. Smit Machchhar, the injured co-pilot, is being hailed as a hero for breaking the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and secure the plane. Machchhar is reportedly in stable condition in a Saudi Arabian hospital.
President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, noting that the attacker appeared to be either a terrorist or a mentally unstable individual. The cause of the attack remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation. The UAE, which has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 2020, reportedly attempted to warn Israel of an imminent Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Additionally, Netanyahu traveled to the UAE for further discussions following the alarming incident.
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