Passengers and crew aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv helped prevent a potentially catastrophic incident after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 people when the cockpit altercation began on Sept. 30. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before passengers and crew intervened.
The wounded captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries. Passengers and crew then entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot, allowing a second pair of flydubai pilots who were aboard the aircraft to regain control.
The plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were taken to hospital, while passengers were later transferred to a replacement aircraft and continued their journey to Tel Aviv.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot was identified as an Omani national and was taken into custody by Saudi authorities. His motive remains under investigation, and flydubai has cautioned against premature speculation about what led to the cockpit confrontation.
Passengers described a chaotic scene as the aircraft rapidly lost altitude. One passenger who helped restrain the attacker suffered a bloody forehead during the struggle. The passengers later arrived at Ben Gurion Airport more than 10 hours after the original flight departed Dubai.
The incident has prompted Israel to announce tighter security checks for pilots operating flights into the country. Israeli officials said authorities would seek greater information about pilots’ identities and conduct additional security checks.
Flydubai described the incident as an altercation in the cockpit and said the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. The UAE’s aviation regulator said the flight had experienced a security incident that was brought under control.
The incident is now under investigation by Saudi and aviation authorities, while questions remain over the co-pilot’s motive and how the cockpit confrontation developed into an emergency during the flight.
