Tzvika Manes, a passenger on Fly Dubai Flight 1073 to Tel Aviv, described a harrowing midair incident where he helped subdue a pilot who had stabbed his colleague. As the plane plunged toward the Saudi desert, Manes heard screams from the cockpit and rushed to assist. He found one pilot bloodied and locked in a struggle with the other.
Along with two other passengers, Manes restrained the attacker using headphone cables. The injured pilot, identified as Capt. Smit Machchhar of India, managed to open the cockpit door and seek help despite severe wounds.
Passengers with flying experience took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Fly Dubai suspended all flights to and from Israel pending investigation. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Machchhar’s bravery.
The motive remains unclear, though some speculated it targeted Israelis. The airline urged against premature conclusions as authorities investigate.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing