During a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, a Flydubai co‑pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe, attempting to seize control of the aircraft.
The flight, carrying more than 170 passengers, plunged nearly 17,000 feet about two and a half hours into its journey; passengers and crew managed to subdue the attacker and land the aircraft safely.
The co‑pilot, identified as an Omani national, was restrained, body‑searched, and later transferred to a hospital before air‑lifting to Abu Dhabi. Captain Smit Machchhar, injured in the incident, is reportedly in stable condition.
UAE authorities are investigating the motive, including the possibility of terror links and Islamist radical indoctrination, and are examining whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity.
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revealed the attacker shouted "Kill me, kill me!" indicating suicidal intent, and claimed the individual had undergone radical indoctrination.
Indian officials praised the pilot’s courage and expressed confidence in his recovery, with the Indian embassy stating he is recovering well.
