Netanyahu Praises Heroic Bystander for Preventing ‘Another 9/11’ and More Top Headlines
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 aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an Omani co-pilot stabbed him in the cockpit. Despite severe injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers to intervene and land the plane safely.
- The incident unfolded over Saudi airspace as the Boeing 737 plunged from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in one minute following the co-pilot's sudden attack. Israeli authorities confirmed the suspect remains in Saudi custody while investigating the motive.
- During the descent, an Israeli plumber grabbed the control wheel to pull the jet out of its dive, while other passengers restrained the attacker using earphone cords. The crew safely landed the plane at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Ambassador Reuven Azar praised the pilot's actions, stating, "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 some comparing the potential threat 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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After returning to Israel, Flydubai passenger Yaniv Hayoun told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu how he intervened during the incident on the plane. Hayoun arrived at the meeting with his clothes still covered in blood. The Israeli prime minister hugged him and told him “you are a hero.” According to Hayoun, it all started when the lights went out and the cabin pressure changed. He and another passenger, who later turned out to be an off-duty a…
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.
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