An Indian-origin captain on a Flydubai flight reportedly helped prevent a potentially catastrophic incident after an alleged attack inside the cockpit.
Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert and land in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife. Initial reports from Israeli media said the injured captain fought back while passengers and off-duty pilots helped restrain the attacker.
According to reports, passengers heard shouting and later saw blood near the cockpit. Several passengers rushed forward after realizing something was wrong and assisted in controlling the attacker. Off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft also helped take control of the plane.
The captain was reportedly seriously injured and received medical assistance from a passenger who was a dentist. Both pilots were subsequently taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Some media outlets later identified the captain as Smit Machchhar, reportedly from Gujarat and a former SpiceJet pilot. However, details about the identities, motive and circumstances of the alleged attack remained under investigation.
Israeli officials described the incident as a potentially serious security threat, while authorities examined how the alleged attacker had been cleared to operate a flight to Israel.