"Could have been Israel's 9/11": Former Israeli govt spokesperson hails heroism of Captain Machchhar and passengers in mid-air cockpit attack
Flydubai suspended Israel flights as investigators probe whether the Omani co-pilot’s attack was terror-related, while 184 passengers were saved, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Captain Smit Machchhar thwarted an attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv by unlocking the cockpit door despite being stabbed by his Omani co-pilot, allowing passengers to intervene and land safely.
- The Omani co-pilot initiated a sudden attack over Saudi airspace, plunging the Boeing 737 from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in approximately one minute. Israeli authorities confirmed the suspect remains in Saudi custody while the motive is under investigation.
- An Israeli plumber grabbed the control wheel to pull the jet from its dive, while other passengers restrained the attacker using earphone cords. The crew safely landed the plane at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Ambassador Reuven Azar stated, "Due to the courage and resolve of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, 184 passengers were saved." Flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel during the investigation.
- Israeli officials noted the near-disaster could have resulted in mass casualties, with comparisons to 9/11. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it remains "too early to say" if Iran played any role in the attack.
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Israel will honor Indian pilot Captain Smit Machar for saving the lives of 180 people and keeping the flight safe. His bravery has been celebrated throughout Israel, and four Israeli citizens who helped in the incident have also been nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Israel to honour Captain Smit for his valour during flydubai attack: Israeli envoy
Captain Smit Machchhar’s bravery aboard the attacked flydubai flight has won praise in Israel, with envoy Reuven Azar calling him a “great hero” and saying the country will honour the Indian pilot for helping save 174 lives despite his injuries.
His courage saved untold lives: Former Israeli govt spokesperson Elon Levy praises Indian pilot Machchhar after Flydubai attack - The Tribune
'If the brave captain, having been stabbed, had not opened that door to let the passengers into the cockpit, there would have been nothing to stop the terrorist co-pilot from taking control of the plane and crashing it into the desert, into a building, killing everyone on board and possibly more. His courage, when he was injured in that moment, saved untold lives,' Levy said.
"Could have been Israel's 9/11": Former Israeli govt spokesperson hails heroism of Captain Machchhar and passengers in mid-air cockpit attack
Former Israeli Government Spokesperson Eylon Levy praised Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers for their bravery in stopping an attempted cockpit attack on an Israel-bound flydubai flight, saying the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy.
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