A Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said. The plane carrying over 170 people plunged more than 17,000 feet before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and landed the plane safely.
The incident raises concerns about aviation security and the potential for radicalization among airline personnel, with authorities investigating possible links to terrorism.
The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked the captain with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said. The flight, carrying more than 170 people, plunged more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) approximately two and a half hours into its journey.
Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured in the attack, described lying on the cockpit floor and realizing the plane was sinking. He managed to open the cockpit door from the inside, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the attacker. On-duty crew members also entered the cockpit and successfully landed the plane.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the attacker was an Omani national. Netanyahu told Fox News that the subdued attacker repeatedly said, "Kill me, kill me!" suggesting suicidal intentions and a likely attempt to down the plane. Netanyahu also stated the attacker had "undergone Islamist radical indoctrination."
The UAE has initiated an investigation into whether the incident was connected to any terrorist activity. Captain Machchhar was taken to a hospital and is reportedly in stable condition, with the Indian embassy in the UAE confirming he is recovering well.
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