A diverted FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced chaos on Wednesday when the pilot was attacked in the cockpit, reportedly with a crash axe. The aircraft was carrying over 170 passengers when it descended rapidly by more than 17,000 feet amid a struggle between the pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and his co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen.
The flight, FZ1073, was en route to Tel Aviv when an emergency alert was issued, redirecting it to Saudi Arabia. Passengers captured video footage showing bloodied individuals attempting to subdue the assailant. Eyewitness reports described a scene of terror as one woman shouted to the crew that the pilot was being stabbed, prompting others to assist.
Following the incident, which has been labelled a potential terror attack by Israeli authorities, Cpt Machchhar was taken for medical treatment after sustaining severe injuries. Passengers, including a plumber named Yaniv Hayun and a dentist, Dr Shota Musayev, intervened to stop al-Hammami and provide aid to the pilot.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the passengers as heroes, and all five involved in subduing the attacker are set to receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the attack, with speculation about al-Hammami’s background suggesting possible radicalisation.
As concerns over security escalate, questions have arisen regarding the enforcement of flight regulations. Opposition leader Yair Lapid noted that prior warnings had been issued about potential attacks ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections. Reports indicate that security protocols related to pilots from nations without formal ties to Israel may not have been properly adhered to, raising further alarms.
