A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv suffered a violent mid-air security breach after the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe in an apparent attempt to seize control of the aircraft, according to United Arab Emirates officials.
The flight, which carried more than 170 passengers and crew, experienced a severe, rapid descent of over 17,000 feet roughly two and a half hours into the journey. During the chaotic plunge, the aircraft transmitted emergency transponder signals indicating both a general crisis and unlawful interference.
Captain Smit Machchhar sustained injuries during the assault inside the cockpit. Despite his wounds, the captain managed a final effort to unlock the flight deck door from the inside, enabling passengers outside to intervene.
Several travelers rushed forward after hearing a disturbance, alerted in part by an Israeli passenger who noticed the commotion. Passengers subdued the co-pilot, who media outlets and officials identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, and pulled him away from the flight controls.
Two reserve pilots on board subsequently took charge of the aircraft and diverted it for a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. Captain Machchhar was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for ongoing medical care, where officials confirmed he is in stable condition and recovering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacker shouted for crew members to kill him after being restrained, suggesting suicidal intentions. Additional reports indicated that the assailant had previously encountered professional difficulties related to his background and radical views while working with another regional carrier.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have launched a formal inquiry to establish the full timeline and motives behind the incident. Investigators are specifically examining whether the cockpit assault was connected to any terrorist plots or wider extremist networks.
Governments and officials have commended the actions of both the flight crew and the passengers whose quick intervention prevented a catastrophic outcome. The Indian government specifically praised Captain Machchhar for his bravery under extreme pressure, while diplomatic representatives confirmed his steady recovery.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
