A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Saudi Arabia after a violent incident in the cockpit, according to reports. The aircraft carried 174 people.
The report said an Omani co-pilot attacked and stabbed Indian pilot Sumit Machhar, leaving him seriously injured. Despite his condition, Machhar continued to act to keep the situation from spiralling into a major accident, drawing praise for his efforts.
One key factor cited was the cockpit door being opened, which allowed passengers to intervene. A group of passengers—including a doctor and others named in the report—entered the cockpit, assessed the situation and restrained the co-pilot using available equipment, while the doctor provided immediate first aid to the injured pilot.
The report also highlighted the role of a passenger, Yaniv Hayun, who was not a trained pilot but helped operate levers to stabilise the aircraft. In addition, two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight reportedly assisted in regaining control and carrying out the emergency landing.
The aircraft is said to have suffered damage at the rear after a sudden descent, yet it still landed without crashing. Aviation experts quoted in the report expressed surprise that the plane remained controllable despite the damage.
