Saudi Arabia: A Flydubai passenger aircraft carrying 174 people made an emergency landing in Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, triggering a rapid descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
How Was the Aircraft Brought Under Control?
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot after the attack, according to Reuters. A second pair of Flydubai pilots who were aboard the aircraft then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk.
US President Donald Trump said he had discussed the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and repeated an account that an Israeli passenger, described as a plumber, helped restrain the attacker and assist during the emergency. Trump acknowledged that he could not independently verify that account.
What Happened Inside the Cockpit?
Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed the captain, identified by Netanyahu’s office as Indian national Smit Machchhar, before the aircraft began its rapid descent.
The injured captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The co-pilot was subsequently restrained and taken into Saudi custody.
What Is Known About the Co-Pilot and the Motive?
An Israeli official identified the co-pilot as an Omani national. Saudi authorities took him into custody following the emergency landing.
The motive remains under investigation. Flydubai said the circumstances behind the incident were not yet known and urged against premature speculation.
Why Has the Incident Raised Security Concerns?
Israeli authorities have announced plans for tighter security checks on pilots operating flights into Israel following the incident.
The episode also created a diplomatic complication after Saudi Arabia reportedly rejected an Israeli request to send military aircraft to retrieve the Israeli passengers from Tabuk. The passengers instead continued their journey on a Flydubai aircraft.
The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns in Israel and highlights the aviation links between Israel and the United Arab Emirates established following the 2020 Abraham Accords.