Flydubai Incident: Indian Pilot Thwarts Alleged ‘Jihadist Attack’; Rescue Flight From Saudi Arabia Lands In Israel

The pilot-in-command who was allegedly stabbed by the first officer during a mid-air incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been identified as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, people familiar with the matter said.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar and the other pilot were taken to a hospital. His condition was not immediately known.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saudi Arabia had arrested the pilot who allegedly attacked his colleague and claimed that the incident involved an apparent attempt to bring down the aircraft carrying mostly Israeli passengers.

According to Netanyahu, the incident occurred as the aircraft approached the region. He said one pilot stabbed the other and “apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board.” Netanyahu described the passengers as “heroes” for preventing what he called a major disaster.

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Incident: 5 Key Points

1. Flight Sends Emergency Alert

Around 2.5 hours after departing Dubai, Flydubai flight FZ1073 reportedly issued an emergency alert and descended sharply from around 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in approximately one minute.

2. Israel Scrambles Warplanes

Amid concerns that the aircraft carrying dozens of Israelis could have been hijacked, Israel scrambled fighter jets as the plane made an erratic turn near the Jordanian border.

3. Fight Breaks Out In Cockpit

Reports subsequently said a fight broke out between the two pilots inside the cockpit. One pilot was allegedly armed with a knife and stabbed the other pilot, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar. Both pilots were reportedly injured during the altercation.

4. Plane Lands Safely In Saudi Arabia

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, around an hour after the distress call. The injured pilots, including Machchhar, were taken to a hospital for treatment.

5. Pilot Arrested, Investigation Underway

Netanyahu said Saudi authorities had arrested the pilot accused of stabbing his colleague. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the cockpit incident, while authorities are also working to facilitate the passengers’ return.