Stabbed pilot Flydubai flight: Israel tightens security checks
Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers who helped stop the incident and the injured pilot Smith Machchar, but the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
On September 30, a serious security incident occurred in the cockpit aboard Flydubai's flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli officials, during the flight the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to crash the plane. As a result of the incident, the aircraft was diverted to the Saudi Arabian city of Tabuk, where it made a safe landing.
There were 174 people on board the flight. According to Israeli officials, passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and helped neutralize the attacking pilot. After that, other Flydubai pilots on board took control of the aircraft and landed it in Tabuk.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "serious security incident." According to him, the stabbed pilot, despite being seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members neutralized the attacking pilot and prevented a major tragedy.
Netanyahu specifically emphasized the actions of the injured Captain Smit Machchhar, saying that thanks to his courage the lives of 174 people on the plane were saved. He also announced that the pilot involved in the incident had been detained in Saudi Arabia and was being questioned.
Later, in an interview with CBS, Netanyahu stated that the motive for the incident is still unknown. Based on initial information, he suggested that this situation might be a suicide attempt rather than a hijacking, but noted that this was his preliminary assessment.
At the same time, Flydubai stated that the true causes of the incident have not yet been determined and warned against drawing "early conclusions." The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority also called the event a "security incident" and announced that an investigation is underway.
Following the incident, the Israeli government announced that it would strengthen security checks for pilots of aircraft flying to the country. A representative of Netanyahu's office stated that the identity and security information of all pilots would be additionally checked.
The investigation into the cause of the incident and other details is ongoing. Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel.
