The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. It is here that he was radicalised, according to prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates. Dr Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, attorney general of the UAE on Friday (Oct 9) said al-Hammami’s began to develop extremist views while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne.&nbsp;"The findings indicated that signs of his drift towards extremism and terrorism first emerged in 2017, while he was studying in Australia," the attorney-general was quoted as saying by the UAE's state news agency WAM.&nbsp;During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology.&nbsp;"During that period, he was influenced by takfiri [radical] ideology through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks," said the attorney-general.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-president-declares-major-disaster-after-powerful-7-7-magnitude-earthquake-triggers-tsunami-warning-1791605192113">Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded</a>&nbsp;According to the statement, al-Hammami revealed to prosecutors that he drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.&nbsp;“The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his thinking,” the statement said.&nbsp;Al-Hammami was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year. He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course.&nbsp;Australian security agencies launched an investigation after it came to light that al-Hammami spent about two years in the country as a student.&nbsp;More than 170 passengers and crew were on board flight FZ1073 on its way to Israel on 30 September.

During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology and drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. It is here that he was radicalised, according to prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates. Dr Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, attorney general of the UAE on Friday (Oct 9) said al-Hammami’s began to develop extremist views while he was studying at RMIT University in Melbourne. "The findings indicated that signs of his drift towards extremism and terrorism first emerged in 2017, while he was studying in Australia," the attorney-general was quoted as saying by the UAE's state news agency WAM. During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology. "During that period, he was influenced by takfiri [radical] ideology through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks," said the attorney-general. ALSO READ: Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded According to the statement, al-Hammami revealed to prosecutors that he drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001. “The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his thinking,” the statement said. Al-Hammami was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year. He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course. Australian security agencies launched an investigation after it came to light that al-Hammami spent about two years in the country as a student. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board flight FZ1073 on its way to Israel on 30 September.

During his time in Melbourne, al-Hammami’ got influenced by the hardline takfiri ideology and drew inspiration from the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.

Flydubai co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia: UAE prosecutors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Fly Dubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a "hero of India, Israel and the world" after the pilot recounted how he was repeatedly struck in the cockpit and still managed to open the door so passengers could regain control of the aircraft.&nbsp;On 30 September, flight FZ1073 was en-route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene. The jet was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with about 174 people on board. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | &quot;I want to have Captain Smit and Prime Minister Modi that are great friends; I really would like them to bear a celebratory flame. It&#39;s the highest honor that we give on our Independence Day. It&#39;s usually reserved for Israeli citizens, but I think here in this case, all… <a href="https://t.co/QHJ57yloZ6">pic.twitter.com/QHJ57yloZ6</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2106464411598967214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-a-hero-for-israel-india-and-the-entire-world-netanyahu-tells-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-1791050840592">'You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world': Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;In a conversation released by the Israeli leader’s office, Captain Smit told Netanyahu that the flight had begun normally. The co-pilot said he wanted to pray, something the captain said was not unusual among local crew. Out of respect, Captain Smit looked forward rather than towards the rear of the cockpit. After four or five minutes, he said, he felt a heavy "blow to the back of his head".&nbsp;His first thought was that the "aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage". Further blows followed, and he realised the attacker was the co-pilot in the cockpit. He tried to stop him, but the initial strikes left his vision almost completely blurred. He then felt the aircraft drop sharply. His recollection, he said, remained fragmentary.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-s-alleged-photo-goes-viral-oman-air-had-reportedly-flagged-him-over-extremist-views-big-revelations-smit-machchhar-1791010820693">Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral</a>&nbsp;Captain Smit told the prime minister he managed to open the cockpit door once, only for it to be shut again. He remembered lying on the floor, hearing the rush of air and passengers screaming. “I had that one last fight left in me,” he said. “If I don’t do it, I’m gonna die.” He pushed himself to the door, opened it, and found people waiting outside who took control. “The rest is what you know, sir,” he said.&nbsp;Mr Netanyahu asked how he had released the door. The captain explained that from inside it opens with a twist of a knob; from outside it can be opened only with a code, which colleagues had tried to enter while the attacker prevented it. Reaching the knob and giving it a short twist was what mattered. “There is no pin,” he said.&nbsp;The prime minister called the account remarkable and said he was amazed by the captain’s courage and “coolness of judgment under impossible conditions.” He added that the response was being “justly hailed around the world” and had preserved “the spirit of the world.”&nbsp;Israel PM Netanyahu said he wanted to invite Captain Smit and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame at Israel’s next Independence Day, an honour he said is normally reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as a “hero of India, Israel and the world”. Netanyahu wants him to light an Israel Independence Day flame.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Fly Dubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a "hero of India, Israel and the world" after the pilot recounted how he was repeatedly struck in the cockpit and still managed to open the door so passengers could regain control of the aircraft. On 30 September, flight FZ1073 was en-route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene. The jet was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with about 174 people on board. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as a “hero of India, Israel and the world”. Netanyahu wants him to light an Israel Independence Day flame.

Netanyahu wants to honour Indian captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi on Israel's Independence Day

Mumbai: In Ghatkopar, where Captain Smit Machchhar was born and brought up, the mood today is a mix of concern, emotion and immense pride.&nbsp;Smit lived with his family in this Mumbai neighbourhood for years before moving out for his career as a commercial pilot. His parents continue to be closely connected to the community, and several residents here have known the Machchhar family for decades.&nbsp;As news of the dramatic flydubai flight incident reached Mumbai, neighbours immediately gathered around the family.&nbsp;For them, Smit is not a pilot they have only heard about in the news. He is someone they watched grow up.&nbsp;<h2>‘Our first reaction was — Oh My God’</h2>&nbsp;Bhavesh Shah, a longtime resident who knows the Machchhar family closely, said the initial reaction in the neighbourhood was one of shock.&nbsp;“Our first reaction was, ‘Oh my God, what has happened?’ We were extremely worried about Smit and his family. But once we understood what he had done, there was also a tremendous sense of pride,” Shah told WION.&nbsp;He said the relationship with the family goes back decades.&nbsp;“We have known the family for a very long time. We have seen Smit grow up here. He is very close to the people in the society,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Everyone came forward to support the family’</h2>&nbsp;Laxmikant Joshi, another resident who has known the family for years, said the community’s immediate priority was to stand beside Smit’s parents.&nbsp;“When we heard the news, our first thought was about the family. We wanted to be there for them and give them whatever support we could,” Joshi told WION.&nbsp;He said the Machchhars have remained closely connected with the people around them.&nbsp;“We have known his parents for a long time. This is a close community. Whenever somebody needs help, people come together,” Joshi said.&nbsp;And today, he added, the feeling across the neighbourhood is one of pride.&nbsp;“We are extremely proud of Smit. The courage he has shown has made everyone here proud,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Smit’s father underwent open-heart surgery four months ago</h2>&nbsp;For the Machchhar family, the latest crisis comes after difficult few months.&nbsp;Smit’s father underwent open-heart surgery around four months ago, making the family’s anxiety over the pilot’s condition even more intense.&nbsp;Ashok Makvana, who has known the family closely, said residents were particularly concerned about Smit’s parents when they first heard about the incident.&nbsp;“His father had undergone open-heart surgery only around four months ago. So, when we heard about Smit, naturally our first concern was for his parents and how they would handle the situation,” Makvana told WION.&nbsp;He said residents wanted to ensure that the family did not have to face the situation alone.&nbsp;“We know this family for years. We have shared so many moments with them. Everyone wanted to stand with them at this time,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘He has made the nation proud’: Schoolmate</h2>&nbsp;Ankit Gandhi, a schoolmate of Smit, said he was proud to see someone he had studied with respond with courage during an extraordinary situation.&nbsp;“He has done a great job. He has made the nation proud and everyone proud,” Gandhi told WION.&nbsp;Reflecting on the circumstances Smit faced, Gandhi said his actions had a significance beyond the incident itself.&nbsp;“To be in such a situation at that altitude and still take action is really something. It makes everyone proud. It makes humanity proud as well,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>A family the neighbourhood has known for decades</h2>&nbsp;For residents of this Ghatkopar community, the story has a deeply personal dimension.&nbsp;They remember Smit not just as a pilot, but as the boy who grew up in their neighbourhood, surrounded by people who knew his parents and followed his journey.&nbsp;The community says that when the family needed support, neighbours were there — just as they have been for decades.&nbsp;Today, however, their message is simple.&nbsp;“We just want Smit to recover and come back home safely,” a resident said.&nbsp;From the streets and buildings where Captain Smit Machchhar spent his childhood, the message remains one of solidarity for the family — and immense pride in the pilot whose actions during a terrifying mid-air emergency have brought his hometow

Ghatkopar residents say they remember Captain Smit Machchhar not just as a pilot, but as the boy who grew up in their neighbourhood, surrounded by people who knew his parents and followed his journey.

Mumbai: In Ghatkopar, where Captain Smit Machchhar was born and brought up, the mood today is a mix of concern, emotion and immense pride. Smit lived with his family in this Mumbai neighbourhood for years before moving out for his career as a commercial pilot. His parents continue to be closely connected to the community, and several residents here have known the Machchhar family for decades. As news of the dramatic flydubai flight incident reached Mumbai, neighbours immediately gathered around the family. For them, Smit is not a pilot they have only heard about in the news. He is someone they watched grow up. ‘Our first reaction was — Oh My God’ Bhavesh Shah, a longtime resident who knows the Machchhar family closely, said the initial reaction in the neighbourhood was one of shock. “Our first reaction was, ‘Oh my God, what has happened?’ We were extremely worried about Smit and his family. But once we understood what he had done, there was also a tremendous sense of pride,” Shah told WION. He said the relationship with the family goes back decades. “We have known the family for a very long time. We have seen Smit grow up here. He is very close to the people in the society,” he said. ‘Everyone came forward to support the family’ Laxmikant Joshi, another resident who has known the family for years, said the community’s immediate priority was to stand beside Smit’s parents. “When we heard the news, our first thought was about the family. We wanted to be there for them and give them whatever support we could,” Joshi told WION. He said the Machchhars have remained closely connected with the people around them. “We have known his parents for a long time. This is a close community. Whenever somebody needs help, people come together,” Joshi said. And today, he added, the feeling across the neighbourhood is one of pride. “We are extremely proud of Smit. The courage he has shown has made everyone here proud,” he said. Smit’s father underwent open-heart surgery four months ago For the Machchhar family, the latest crisis comes after difficult few months. Smit’s father underwent open-heart surgery around four months ago, making the family’s anxiety over the pilot’s condition even more intense. Ashok Makvana, who has known the family closely, said residents were particularly concerned about Smit’s parents when they first heard about the incident. “His father had undergone open-heart surgery only around four months ago. So, when we heard about Smit, naturally our first concern was for his parents and how they would handle the situation,” Makvana told WION. He said residents wanted to ensure that the family did not have to face the situation alone. “We know this family for years. We have shared so many moments with them. Everyone wanted to stand with them at this time,” he said. ‘He has made the nation proud’: Schoolmate Ankit Gandhi, a schoolmate of Smit, said he was proud to see someone he had studied with respond with courage during an extraordinary situation. “He has done a great job. He has made the nation proud and everyone proud,” Gandhi told WION. Reflecting on the circumstances Smit faced, Gandhi said his actions had a significance beyond the incident itself. “To be in such a situation at that altitude and still take action is really something. It makes everyone proud. It makes humanity proud as well,” he said. A family the neighbourhood has known for decades For residents of this Ghatkopar community, the story has a deeply personal dimension. They remember Smit not just as a pilot, but as the boy who grew up in their neighbourhood, surrounded by people who knew his parents and followed his journey. The community says that when the family needed support, neighbours were there — just as they have been for decades. Today, however, their message is simple. “We just want Smit to recover and come back home safely,” a resident said. From the streets and buildings where Captain Smit Machchhar spent his childhood, the message remains one of solidarity for the family — and immense pride in the pilot whose actions during a terrifying mid-air emergency have brought his hometow

Ghatkopar residents say they remember Captain Smit Machchhar not just as a pilot, but as the boy who grew up in their neighbourhood, surrounded by people who knew his parents and followed his journey.

‘We are proud of him’: Ghatkopar neighbours rally around Captain Smit Machchhar’s family

The Omani co-pilot who allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe in an attempt to hijack and crash the flydubai Flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, has been described as a ‘religious extremist’ by another fellow pilot who spoke to an Israeli newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel has called the incident an attempted “jihadist terrorist attack” and has directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation.&nbsp;According to a report by The Times of Israel, the fellow pilot, speaking to Israel’s Channel 16, said the Omani national had joined flydubai around eight months ago and that he prayed excessively throughout the day and even refused to shake hands with women.&nbsp;However, these allegations from a fellow pilot do not establish the co-pilot’s motive by themselves and will require a complete investigation by the relevant authorities.&nbsp;<h2>After initial Saudi probe, co-pilot to be handed over to UAE</h2>&nbsp;Reports say the initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made its emergency landing, after which the co-pilot is expected to be handed over to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for further investigation.&nbsp;Meanwhile, an Omani official reportedly confirmed to US-based media that the attacker, whose name has not been released, was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship.Saudi officials have confirmed that both crew members were hospitalised following the emergency landing at Tabuk Airport.&nbsp;Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that the co-pilot is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia.“He’ll be, I assume, moved very quickly to Dubai,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli authorities will “join the interrogation and find out what happened there exactly.”&nbsp;The UAE has separately ordered an investigation into the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or was planned in advance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emirati authorities said that the UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft registered in the country, even when they occur outside its territory.

Israel called the incident an attempted jihadist terrorist attack and directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. The initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, after which the co-pilot will be handed over to the UAE.

The Omani co-pilot who allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe in an attempt to hijack and crash the flydubai Flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, has been described as a ‘religious extremist’ by another fellow pilot who spoke to an Israeli newspaper. Israel has called the incident an attempted “jihadist terrorist attack” and has directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. According to a report by The Times of Israel, the fellow pilot, speaking to Israel’s Channel 16, said the Omani national had joined flydubai around eight months ago and that he prayed excessively throughout the day and even refused to shake hands with women. However, these allegations from a fellow pilot do not establish the co-pilot’s motive by themselves and will require a complete investigation by the relevant authorities. After initial Saudi probe, co-pilot to be handed over to UAE Reports say the initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made its emergency landing, after which the co-pilot is expected to be handed over to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for further investigation. Meanwhile, an Omani official reportedly confirmed to US-based media that the attacker, whose name has not been released, was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship. Saudi officials have confirmed that both crew members were hospitalised following the emergency landing at Tabuk Airport. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that the co-pilot is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia. “He’ll be, I assume, moved very quickly to Dubai,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli authorities will “join the interrogation and find out what happened there exactly.” The UAE has separately ordered an investigation into the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or was planned in advance. Emirati authorities said that the UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft registered in the country, even when they occur outside its territory.

Israel called the incident an attempted jihadist terrorist attack and directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. The initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, after which the co-pilot will be handed over to the UAE.

Omani co-pilot showed extreme religious behaviour, refused to shake hands with women, reveals flydubai colleague

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday announced that the state government will honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for his courage in saving 174 passengers aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight despite being grievously injured in an attack inside the cockpit.&nbsp;Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot in the cockpit but fought back valiantly despite being severely injured and managed to open the door for seeking assistance and saving the plane. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with all the passengers safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ઈઝરાયલ જઈ રહેલ ફ્લાઈટના પાયલટ કેપ્ટન સ્મિત મચ્છરના સાહસને આજે આખી દુનિયા સલામ કરી રહી છે. હુમલાના કારણે લોહીલુહાણ હોવા છતા તેમણે અદમ્ય સાહસ દાખવીને 174 મુસાફરોના જીવ બચાવ્યા, એ વાત અત્યંત પ્રેરણાદાયી અને સરાહનીય છે. મૂળ ગુજરાતના આ વીર સપૂતે પોતાના શૌર્યથી સમગ્ર વિશ્વમાં ગુજરાત…&mdash; Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://x.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/2105566205679657337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today. Despite being drenched in blood due to the attack, he displayed indomitable bravery to save the lives of 174 passengers—a feat that is profoundly inspiring and commendable,” Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel wrote on X.“This valiant son of Gujarat has illuminated the name of Gujarat and the nation across the globe through his heroism. The Gujarati spirit flowing in his veins fills us all with immense pride. To honor his extraordinary act of bravery and humanity, the Government of Gujarat will bestow upon Captain Smit Machhar the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">भारत के वीर सपूत कैप्टन स्मित मच्छर के स्वास्थ्य लाभ के लिए प्रथम ज्योतिर्लिंग श्री सोमनाथ महादेव में हो रही इस विशेष महापूजा और &#39;आयुष्य मंत्रजाप अनुष्ठान&#39; के साथ पूरे गुजरात और हम सभी देशवासियों की सामूहिक प्रार्थनाएं जुड़ी हैं। देवाधिदेव भगवान सोमनाथ से प्रार्थना है कि वे… <a href="https://t.co/G8kcTIc0G8">https://t.co/G8kcTIc0G8</a>&mdash; Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://x.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/2105575721980830023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The CM also prayed for his swift recovery, saying, “The empathy and prayers of the nation’s citizens are with Captain Smit Machchhar.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have already praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage. <h2>‘Israel would formally recognise the pilot’s valour and bravery,’ says Ambassador</h2> Meanwhile, Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has said that Israel will also honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in averting a major disaster and saving the lives of around 180 people.Azar said Machchhar’s valour had drawn attention across Israel, including from President and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and praised the pilot for saving both the passengers and the aircraft despite being seriously injured.The ambassador said Israel “does not forget its friends” who stand with the country during times of crisis. He linked the incident to the period close to the third anniversary of the October 7 terror attack, calling it another terror strike that was averted.Azar said Israel had scrambled fighter jets amid concerns over the aircraft threat and that Netanyahu was in a security huddle discussing the situation when Machchhar’s actions helped avert a potential catastrophe. He said Israel would formally recognise the pilot’s “valour and bravery”. PM Modi said Machchhar had shown “remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage” and described him as a “HERO”, saying his valour helped avert a major tragedy and save lives. NNetanyahu also saluted Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery”, saying that despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.Trump called the Indian pilot “a hero”, saying that even while badly wounded, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and call for help. <h2>‘He was an absolute hero’</h2> Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, who stormed into the cockpit and overpowered the attacker co-pilot and then worked on controls to steady the diving aircraft, also hailed Captain Machchhar. “You’re not going to die today,” Hayun told the Indian pilot who was stabbed by his co-pilot. “He was an absolute hero. I told him, ‘You’re not going to die today’,” Hayun recalled telling Machchhar. “Captain Smit, it’s a hero. I want to thank him for letting us inside the cockpit, or all of us would have died,” he added. “Despite his injuries, he fought back. He saved us, and we are very grateful. We wish him a quick recovery, and we would like to speak to him and thank him in person.” <h2>‘Remember his name: Smit Machchhar’</h2> After the dramatic incident aboard a flydubai flight, social media was agog with messages hailing the Indian pilot. Several Israelis posted videos to thank the Indian pilot and hailed him as a hero after Israeli authorities said his actions helped prevent a catastrophe involving more than 170 passengers. “Remember his name: Smit Machchhar.” That was the message echoing across social media. One video after another carried messages of gratitude for the captain, with users in Israel describing him as brave and urging others to remember his name.One Israeli content creator, Einav Avizemer, posted a video thanking both Machchhar and India. “I want to take this opportunity and thank the Indian pilot. What a hero,” she said, adding that without his actions, “it could end up in a whole different way”.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Israel will also honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in averting a major disaster and saving the lives of around 180 people. Azar added that Machchhar’s valour had drawn attention across Israel.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday announced that the state government will honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for his courage in saving 174 passengers aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight despite being grievously injured in an attack inside the cockpit. Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot in the cockpit but fought back valiantly despite being severely injured and managed to open the door for seeking assistance and saving the plane. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with all the passengers safe.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Israel will also honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in averting a major disaster and saving the lives of around 180 people. Azar added that Machchhar’s valour had drawn attention across Israel.

Gujarat CM announces ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety.The name of the hero pilot who has been credited with preventing what could've been a tragedy has been made public. Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a "hero" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But who was the co-pilot behind the horrific stabbing and attempted plane crash? Here's all we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hero-pm-modi-praises-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-who-helped-avert-flydubai-tragedy-1790819874962">‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy</a><h2>The identity: Who is the alleged attacker?</h2>The alleged attacker was the first officer, or co-pilot, rostered on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly released by Israel, Flydubai or Saudi authorities.Notably, Israeli media previously reported different nationalities, including Russian or Ukrainian.The co-pilot was arrested after the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport and is being detained in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<h2>What happened inside the cockpit?</h2>According to reports, roughly two and a half hours into the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, leaving him seriously injured.The co-pilot then allegedly pushed the flight controls forward, sending the aircraft into a steep descent. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane lost approximately 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other accounts put the altitude loss at around 17,000 feet within a minute.The injured captain reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush inside and eventually subdue the attacker.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-capt-smit-machchhar-indian-pilot-who-helped-avert-flydubai-disaster-1790792934749">Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster?</a><h2>The motive: Why did the co-pilot attack the pilot?</h2>Passenger accounts suggest that the co-pilot appeared to be trying to disable the controls. At the time this report was published, the motive had not been established. However, speculations and accusations continue to circulate.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terror attack” and said the alleged attacker intended to crash the aircraft with its Israeli passengers.Israel's Foreign Ministry has called the incident an attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords, while Israel and the UAE have said they intend to work together against extremist elements.Netanyahu offered a somewhat different preliminary description, saying the incident appeared to involve an extended suicide or sabotage attempt.&nbsp;Flydubai, however, has explicitly said the reasons and motives behind the cockpit altercation remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation.<h2>How Captain Smit Machchhar helped save the plane</h2>Despite being stabbed multiple times, Machchhar mustered the strength to unlock the cockpit door. That gave passengers the opportunity to enter the flight deck and confront the co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv, who was among those who entered the cockpit, said the alleged attacker was on the controls and appeared to be trying to damage them.After helping pull the man away from the controls, Yaniv returned to the cockpit when the aircraft was still descending sharply and pulled back on the flight controls. He said the plane began to level out before another pilot took over.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised Machchhar, describing his actions as an “amazing act of heroism”. The Indian pilot is now being treated at a Saudi hospital.<h2>The passengers who rushed into the cockpit</h2>Passengers also played a crucial role in the emergency. One passenger identified as Yaniv said he confronted the alleged attacker and placed him in a hold before pulling him away from the controls.Another passenger, Zvika Manes, said he and two other Israelis used corded headphones to restrain and tie up the co-pilot. Manes said the struggle took roughly 20 to 25 minutes.Yaniv said he managed to take control of the aircraft temporarily. When Netanyahu asked how he knew what to do, the passenger joked that he had watched Mayday, the television documentary series about aviation disasters.<h2>The Aftermath: What happened after the emergency landing?</h2>The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Flydubai said all passengers were safe, with media reports saying 166 of the 174 passengers were Israeli. The co-pilot was also reportedly injured by the time the aircraft landed.Israel has since said it plans to strengthen security checks on pilots operating flights into the country. An official in Netanyahu's office said authorities would seek to establish the identities of pilots flying into Israel and conduct additional security checks.&nbsp;

A Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers plunged thousands of feet after its captain was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, but major questions remain over the accused pilot and his motive. All we know.

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety. The name of the hero pilot who has been credited with preventing what could've been a tragedy has been made public. Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a "hero" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But who was the co-pilot behind the horrific stabbing and attempted plane crash? Here's all we know. Also read | ‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy The identity: Who is the alleged attacker? The alleged attacker was the first officer, or co-pilot, rostered on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly released by Israel, Flydubai or Saudi authorities. Notably, Israeli media previously reported different nationalities, including Russian or Ukrainian. The co-pilot was arrested after the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport and is being detained in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What happened inside the cockpit? According to reports, roughly two and a half hours into the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, leaving him seriously injured. The co-pilot then allegedly pushed the flight controls forward, sending the aircraft into a steep descent. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane lost approximately 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other accounts put the altitude loss at around 17,000 feet within a minute. The injured captain reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush inside and eventually subdue the attacker. Also read | Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster? The motive: Why did the co-pilot attack the pilot? Passenger accounts suggest that the co-pilot appeared to be trying to disable the controls. At the time this report was published, the motive had not been established. However, speculations and accusations continue to circulate. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terror attack” and said the alleged attacker intended to crash the aircraft with its Israeli passengers. Israel's Foreign Ministry has called the incident an attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords, while Israel and the UAE have said they intend to work together against extremist elements. Netanyahu offered a somewhat different preliminary description, saying the incident appeared to involve an extended suicide or sabotage attempt. Flydubai, however, has explicitly said the reasons and motives behind the cockpit altercation remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation. How Captain Smit Machchhar helped save the plane Despite being stabbed multiple times, Machchhar mustered the strength to unlock the cockpit door. That gave passengers the opportunity to enter the flight deck and confront the co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv, who was among those who entered the cockpit, said the alleged attacker was on the controls and appeared to be trying to damage them. After helping pull the man away from the controls, Yaniv returned to the cockpit when the aircraft was still descending sharply and pulled back on the flight controls. He said the plane began to level out before another pilot took over. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised Machchhar, describing his actions as an “amazing act of heroism”. The Indian pilot is now being treated at a Saudi hospital. The passengers who rushed into the cockpit Passengers also played a crucial role in the emergency. One passenger identified as Yaniv said he confronted the alleged attacker and placed him in a hold before pulling him away from the controls. Another passenger, Zvika Manes, said he and two other Israelis used corded headphones to restrain and tie up the co-pilot. Manes said the struggle took roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Yaniv said he managed to take control of the aircraft temporarily. When Netanyahu asked how he knew what to do, the passenger joked that he had watched Mayday, the television documentary series about aviation disasters. The Aftermath: What happened after the emergency landing? The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Flydubai said all passengers were safe, with media reports saying 166 of the 174 passengers were Israeli. The co-pilot was also reportedly injured by the time the aircraft landed. Israel has since said it plans to strengthen security checks on pilots operating flights into the country. An official in Netanyahu's office said authorities would seek to establish the identities of pilots flying into Israel and conduct additional security checks.

A Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers plunged thousands of feet after its captain was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, but major questions remain over the accused pilot and his motive. All we know.

Flydubai cockpit attack: Who is the co-pilot accused of stabbing Smit Machchhar, trying to crash plane with 174 passengers onboard?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-terrorist-job-trump-reacts-to-flydubai-cockpit-attack-hails-indian-pilot-what-he-said-1790818709328">Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot</a>

<h2>‘India is proud of Captain Machchhar’</h2>In a post on X, Modi praised Machchhar for his actions despite suffering serious injuries. “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” the prime minister wrote. “In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” Modi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2105469867390554194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” he added, while wishing the pilot a speedy recovery and good health. The Indian pilot has been receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He was identified as an Indian national after the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-a-nation-of-lions-israeli-man-who-stormed-into-cockpit-held-attacker-pilot-in-chokehold-tells-netanyahu-1790793966746">‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot</a><h2>What happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073?</h2>According to passengers and Israeli officials, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe descent as the confrontation unfolded in the cockpit. Reuters reported that the plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds before passengers and crew managed to intervene. Machchhar, despite being wounded, was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the attacker. Off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers then helped take control of the aircraft.Netanyahu's spokesperson later said the wounded captain used “the last moments of his energy” to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to reach the flight deck.The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The passengers were later flown back to Israel. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster". Also read | Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and the pilot who was attacked mid-flight, and called Machchhar a “true hero” of “extraordinary bravery”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker—preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” Netanyahu wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2105367389428646054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;‘Today, our hearts are with him and his family,” Israel's parliament speaker Amir Ohana said in a post on X.&nbsp;<h2>‘We are a nation of lions,’ says Israeli who held attacker pilot in chokehold</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu also met passengers at Ben Gurion airport after they got off their repatriation flight and hailed the man who broke into the cockpit, held the attacker pilot in a chokehold and then dragged him out.A video on Netanyahu’s official social media account shows him hugging and greeting passengers. One of them was a man with a blood-stained t-shirt.“Met Yaniv, who broke into the cockpit on the flight from Dubai to Israel,” the post said.&nbsp;Netanyahu greeted Yaniv, saying he sees “a great hero”, and asked him how he did it.“We are a nation of lions, aren’t we?” Yaniv replied.&nbsp;Netanyahu then pointed to the bloodstain on Yaniv’s t-shirt and asked, “Wow, is that from him?”Yaniv replied, “It’s from him, yes.”“It’s simply unbelievable what you did,” Netanyahu said in admiration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">יניב, אתה גיבור אמיתי. אנחנו עם של אריות! <a href="https://t.co/55AgmAvzIG">pic.twitter.com/55AgmAvzIG</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2105339034700841393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explaining how he broke through the door, Yaniv said, “The pilot who was stabbed was very close to the door, so it was hard for us to open it.”“But before he (the stabbed pilot) collapsed, he managed to open the door.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Attacker was trying to destroy aircraft systems, crash the plane’</h2>&nbsp;“When I entered, I saw the attacker on the instruments, between the two seats... there were no pilots in the seats,” Yaniv recalled.“One was down, one was on the instruments. And another guy came in with me. I grabbed the attacker, put him in a chokehold, and pulled him—first and foremost—outside.”&nbsp;He said the attacker was “trying to destroy the instruments in order to disable the plane.” The attacker was trying to destroy the aircraft systems and crash the plane.Yaniv said that he then called out “to the Israeli guys with us on the plane, and together they pinned him down.”&nbsp;Yaniv then rushed back to the controls. “I pulled the controls up and stopped the plane’s dive.”&nbsp;“You pulled the controls?” Netanyahu asked in an elated tone.“I watch Air Crash Investigation, Mr Prime Minister,” Yaniv replied. “And the plane started to level out, a bit more, and then the pilot told me he was taking control from there.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a video shot on the flight after the attacker pilot was overpowered, an Israeli passenger said, “We’re on the flight from Dubai. We took control of the situation here. There was an attacker with a knife who stabbed one of the pilots.”“A few of us just jumped in and pulled him out of the cockpit. Everything is OK now. The terrorist has been neutralized.”&nbsp;

<h2>President Herzog thanks ‘immense courage’ of heroes</h2>Israeli President Isaac Herzog also thanked the “heroes who acted with immense courage” on the flight to Tel Aviv that was diverted to Saudi Arabia.“Hours of worry ended in a great miracle and exceptional heroism,” Herzog wrote on X.“I thank from the depths of my heart the heroes who acted with immense courage in these critical moments,” he added.“We will continue to act together with our Emirati partners to learn from the event and fight terrorism.”<h2>Celebrations at Ben Gurion airport</h2>&nbsp;As passengers disembarked the repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia, they were greeted with crowds playing music, singing, dancing and waving Israeli flags.The initial flight, from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tubak, in Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing following the stabbing of a pilot onboard.&nbsp;The passengers, including 27 children and Israelis who helped overpower the suspected attacker, returned after an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; some initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected an Israeli rescue aircraft.&nbsp;The rescue flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.&nbsp;<h2>‘Five minutes felt like hell,’ says passenger</h2>&nbsp;Another passenger told journalists outside the airport that the incident on board lasted maybe five minutes but felt “like hell".Oran Choen said he heard a shout of “Allahu Akbar” before the plane started to dive, about an hour before the flight was due to land, but could not specify who had shouted.“I can’t tell you the feelings I felt in that moment... I am 18 years old... it was a very tough moment. Maybe it was five minutes but it feels like hell,” he added.&nbsp;⁠Israeli PM ⁠Benjamin Netanyahu ⁠has ordered authorities ⁠to “ramp up” ⁠security on ‌both on ‌Israeli carriers ‌and non-Israeli carriers.The order was confirmed by a spokesperson for the prime ⁠minister’s office after the flydubai flight ‌incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some Israeli passengers initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected demand for an Israeli rescue aircraft. The repatriation flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and the pilot who was attacked mid-flight, and called Machchhar a “true hero” of “extraordinary bravery”. “Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker—preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

Some Israeli passengers initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected demand for an Israeli rescue aircraft. The repatriation flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.

‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Wednesday that the evidence indicates that the flydubai pilot who stabbed his fellow pilot intended to crash the plane and called the development an “extremely serious security incident”.“This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” said Netanyahu in his first public response to the emergency landing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.”&nbsp;The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">עדכון חשוב בעקבות האירוע הביטחוני החמור היום &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/Hw2mxTDPjM">pic.twitter.com/Hw2mxTDPjM</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2105297989992648960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“All passengers are out of danger. The pilot who stabbed has been arrested and is currently being questioned by the Saudi authorities. We are in close contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety of the passengers and their safe return to Israel,” he said. “We are in continuous contact with the relevant authorities to guarantee the continued safety of the passengers and their safe return home,” says Netanyahu, adding that Israel is also carrying out regular situational assessments. The Saudis are interrogating the suspect, he said, while adding that he instructed Israel’s security services to take measures to prevent similar attempts in the future. <h2>‘Israel preparing for more possible security threats’</h2> Netanyahu said that Israel is “preparing for more possible security threats” after a pilot on a flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel may have purposefully attempted to crash the plane. Incidentally, Netanyahu had on Tuesday warned that “enemies” could try to attack before the October 27 election. Netanyahu also praised the Israeli passengers who intervened proactively and helped salvage the situation, saying he “salutes the heroes” who “saved many lives and displayed great bravery and prevented a serious tragedy.” The prime minister said that one of the Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit along with a crewmember and managed to neutralise the threat of the attacking pilot while another crewmember stabilised the plane.“I salute these heroes who showed extraordinary resourcefulness and courage,” Netanyahu said. “They saved many lives; they averted a major disaster. The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.” <h2>A ‘jihadist terror attack', says Defence Minister </h2> Defence Minister Israel Katz also issued a statement on Wednesday, calling the flydubai incident a terror attack. “The incident on the flydubai plane was an attempted jihadist attack which was only foiled thanks to the heroism of a number of Israeli passengers,” Katz said. He said the Israelis eliminated the threat and handed the cockpit over to an alternate team of pilots on the plane. “According to the initial information we have, the terrorist had one intention: to crash the plane,” Katz said.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli passengers who intervened and helped salvage the situation. He said one of the Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit along with a crewmember and managed to neutralise the threat of the attacking pilot.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Wednesday that the evidence indicates that the flydubai pilot who stabbed his fellow pilot intended to crash the plane and called the development an “extremely serious security incident”. “This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” said Netanyahu in his first public response to the emergency landing. Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.” The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.”

PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli passengers who intervened and helped salvage the situation. He said one of the Israeli passengers broke into the cockpit along with a crewmember and managed to neutralise the threat of the attacking pilot.

Netanyahu: Saudis questioning flydubai suspect involved in ‘extremely serious security incident’

Following a hijacking scare aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday (Sep 30), the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, one of the pilots tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. He also attacked the other pilot. Following the chaos on board, the Boeing 737 MAX safely landed in Saudi Arabia. A video taken by a passenger aboard the plane emerged on social media, showing people clapping and cheering as the flight landed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Moment the FLYDUBAI plane landed in Saudi Arabia safely <a href="https://t.co/yDPuXgNlWb">pic.twitter.com/yDPuXgNlWb</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2105228407525224470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to a statement from the company operating the airport, the Flydubai plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk “at 9:45 am (0645 GMT), and its captain and copilot were found to have injuries and were transported to hospital”.

<h2>What happened on Flydubai flight?</h2>According to an AFP report, citing a passenger on board the flight, one of the pilots attacked his co-pilot and tried to crash the plane to carry out a “suicide attack”. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon said that the aircraft was “pretty much out of control” when the stabbing happened over Jordan.&nbsp;“The co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and basically carry out a suicide attack on the plane,” she told reporters via a speakerphone held up by her mother at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.Flightradar website data showed that the aircraft suddenly lost altitude mid-flight, dropping from nearly 34,000 feet at 0521 GMT to less than 17,000 feet at 0522 GMT.“It was really on the way to crashing, and it was simply the resourcefulness of many people who took control of the co-pilot and neutralised him,” she added.<h2>‘Terrorist’ wanted to crash plane</h2>Israel’s far-right national security minister said that the emergency landing of the Tel Aviv-bound plane was due to a “terrorist” who wanted to crash the plane and kill Israelis onboard.“The naive notion that our enemies cherish life and that we should pity them received another reminder this morning in the form of a terrorist who planned to crash a plane and murder the 180 Israelis on board,” Itamar Ben Gvir said in a statement.Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the videos or the claims.

Passengers erupted in cheers and applause as a Flydubai plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia after a hijack scare on board, with footage capturing the tense moment turning into relief.

Following a hijacking scare aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday (Sep 30), the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, one of the pilots tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. He also attacked the other pilot. Following the chaos on board, the Boeing 737 MAX safely landed in Saudi Arabia. A video taken by a passenger aboard the plane emerged on social media, showing people clapping and cheering as the flight landed.

Passengers erupted in cheers and applause as a Flydubai plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia after a hijack scare on board, with footage capturing the tense moment turning into relief.

WATCH | Passengers clap, cheer as Flydubai plane lands in Saudi after hijack scare

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WATCH | Passengers cheer as Flydubai plane lands in Saudi after hijack scare