Netanyahu Hails ‘Hero’ Pilot After Mid-Air Attack on Israel-Bound Flight

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the pilot of a Flydubai passenger jet as a hero after he was stabbed by his co-pilot during a mid-air attack that sent the aircraft into a dramatic descent.

The Boeing 737 was carrying 174 people on Wednesday while travelling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar

According to Israeli officials and passengers, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude after the attack, falling by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The incident raised fears that the plane could crash.

Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door. That allowed passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot, while other pilots on board helped regain control of the aircraft.

The plane was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Saudi authorities detained the alleged attacker, who Israeli officials identified as an Omani national.

Netanyahu later praised Machchhar for his actions, saying the captain's resistance helped prevent what could have been a catastrophic disaster and saved the lives of those aboard.

Passengers also played a crucial role. Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun was among those who entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker. Hayoun later described grabbing the aircraft's controls during the emergency before other crew members took over.

Another passenger, dentist Shota Musayev, said those who intervened understood they had only seconds to act. He also helped attend to the wounded captain after the struggle.

The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk. Three passengers were treated for minor injuries, according to Israeli emergency services, while Machchhar was taken to hospital. India's embassy in Saudi Arabia said the pilot was in stable condition.

The passengers later completed their journey to Israel on another flight, arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, where they were welcomed by relatives and officials. Netanyahu also met some of the passengers who had helped during the emergency.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Netanyahu has made claims about the co-pilot's alleged radicalisation, but authorities have not publicly established a definitive motive. The UAE has ordered an investigation, while Saudi authorities are questioning the suspect.

Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations continue. The airline has said the underlying reasons for the incident remain unknown and cautioned against premature speculation.

For the 174 people aboard the flight, what began as a routine journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv ended with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The actions of the injured captain, passengers and fellow crew members ultimately allowed the aircraft to land safely and the passengers to reach Israel.

Source BBC NEWS