2 hrs ago
Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Radicalised After Captain Attack
A co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was hurt but helped open the cockpit door.
Crew members and passengers then stopped and restrained the co-pilot.
The plane was diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Everyone on board was reported safe.
Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had been influenced by extreme Islamist ideas.
Netanyahu also said the co-pilot called for people to kill him, which he viewed as evidence of suicidal intentions.
Investigators are still trying to learn exactly what happened and why.
People in India praised Machchhar for protecting the passengers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar underwent Islamist radical indoctrination.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv and tried to seize control.
Machchhar, reportedly wounded and bleeding heavily, helped crew members and passengers enter the cockpit and restrain the co-pilot.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers were reported safe.
Authorities are investigating, while Indian officials, neighbors, Flydubai and SpiceJet praised Machchhar’s bravery and recovery.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight; Benjamin Netanyahu described the suspect’s alleged radicalisation.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, but was overpowered.
- Where
- The incident began on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and ended with a diversion to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, and Netanyahu discussed it on Thursday.
- Why
- The motive has not been conclusively established; Netanyahu linked the incident to alleged Islamist radicalisation and suicidal statements.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Passengers
- 174 passengers were reportedly aboard; media reports said 166 were Israeli citizens
- Landing
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia
- Captain’s condition
- Machchhar was injured, hospitalized and reported to be stable
- Investigation
- Saudi authorities were conducting the preliminary inquiry, with possible further examination by Emirati authorities
- Experience
- Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience and has worked for Flydubai since 2022
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
“As far as we know, the plane was heading from Dubai to Israel, and as they approached Israel, one of the co-pilots stabbed or hit the other pilot, an Indian national, with an axe.”
republicworld.com
“In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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