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PM Modi Praises Captain Machchhar for Bravery in Protecting Lives During Crisis
On Wednesday, a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after one pilot allegedly stabbed another in the cockpit during the journey.
Data from Flightradar24 indicated the jet plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, triggering a distress signal and an 'unlawful interference' call before turning back from Jordanian airspace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar, who fought back despite head and finger wounds, while passenger Yaniv Hayun subdued the attacker, identified as an Omani citizen.
A replacement aircraft transported passengers safely to Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday, as FlyDubai stated the motives remain unknown and Israeli authorities investigate the incident as potential terror-related activity.
While pilot suicide missions are rare, investigators are analyzing the cockpit voice recorder to determine the cause as the incident unfolds amid Netanyahu's reelection campaign and promises of security for his 10 million citizens.
Daily News podcast featuring Katya Adler, Jonny Dymond and Fergal Keane from the BBC
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Daily News podcast featuring Katya Adler, Jonny Dymond and Fergal Keane from the BBC
Inside the Flydubai attack that could upend Israeli elections
The Global Story discuss the probe into the Flydubai cockpit attack, as authorities examine an Omani co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash the plane and the injured captain Smit Machchhar’s condition.