In brief
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the man who stabbed a fellow pilot on a Flydubai flight was the product of Islamist radical indoctrination, hinting at a planned crash. The attack forced passengers and crew to overtake the plane, which emergency‑landed in Saudi Arabia after dropping 17,000 feet. Investigations by UAE and Israeli authorities are underway, with the attacker being transferred to the UAE for questioning. The incident has led to temporary flight stops between Dubai and Tel Aviv and increased scrutiny of middle‑east aviation safety.
Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that the attacker, an Omani national, had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and likely intended to bring down the plane. The assailant stabbed another pilot and tried to seize control of the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Two hours into the journey, the aircraft suddenly dropped more than 17,000 feet—over 5,000 meters—before passengers and crew re‑claimed the cockpit and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu added that "the attacker was calling for his own death," suggesting a suicidal motive combined with radical ideology. He said investigations in the UAE have begun to determine any terrorist link.
The incident has prompted Flydubai to suspend all Dubai‑Tel Aviv flights while conducting its own probe, and Israeli and Arab airlines are coordinating rescue and replacement services for stranded passengers.
The stabbing hero, Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, has been praised by Indian and Israeli leaders alike, with the Indian ambassador visiting him in hospital to commend his bravery.
What Happens Next?
The attacker is now in Saudi custody and will be moved to the UAE for further questioning. Both Israeli and UAE officials are keeping the public updated as investigations continue into whether the act was terrorism or a personal attack.
If you’re planning international travel, check with airline authorities for flight updates and potential detours. Stay tuned for more on how governments are tightening aviation security amid this incident.
