Pilot Stabbed, Plane Diverted: Heroism Saves 174 Lives

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that a pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was stabbed by another pilot. This prompted the aircraft to be diverted to an airport in Saudi Arabia.

The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Which took off from Dubai International Airport at 03:05 GMT on Wednesday, carrying over 170 people, mostly Israeli citizens.

According to eyewitness accounts, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was stabbed by the other pilot. However, managed to open the cockpit door and, despite being seriously injured, resisted the attacker.

Read More: Inside Four's Latest Developments: killed in helicopter crash near Montreal

The passengers and crew then overpowered the attacker. Retook control of the plane, and successfully landed it at Tabuk airport, saving 174 lives.

Netanyahu has commended the passengers and crew for their bravery, stating that they prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

Netanyahu has assured that Israeli security forces are maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety of the passengers.

Also Read: UVU Campus Security Review Finds Shortcomings After Charlie Kirk's Fatal Shooting

Passengers who were on board the flight described the heroic actions of the passengers and crew who restrained the attacker. With one passenger noting that the pilot who was stabbed was close to the door, making it difficult to open.

Flydubai has confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck. And the flight was successfully secured by on-duty crew members, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk airport.

As the plane touched down in Tel Aviv, a large crowd gathered at the airport, drawn by the excitement of the flight's arrival, and celebrated the passengers' homecoming with music and waving Israeli flags.