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Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was attacked by a rogue co-pilot; 174 passengers, including 27 children, landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport.
All 174 passengers aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, including 27 children, landed safely at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday evening after surviving a suspected attempted terrorist attack. The flight, which had taken off from Dubai for Tel Aviv, was targeted mid-air when a rogue co-pilot attempted to bring down the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. The passengers, initially terrified, burst into spontaneous song and dance upon landing.
Mid-Air Attack Foiled by Brave Captain and Passengers
A mid-air catastrophe was averted on Wednesday morning when the captain and Israeli passengers overpowered a rogue co-pilot who tried to crash the flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. The attacker, identified as an Omani national who joined flydubai eight months ago, was described by a fellow pilot as a religious extremist who prayed excessively and refused to shake hands with women. The captain, Indian-born Smit Machchhar, was stabbed while fighting off his co-pilot but managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the attacker.
Heroic Passenger Recounts Ordeal
Yaniv Hayun, an Israeli passenger with aviation experience, tackled the attacker and removed him from the cockpit. He recounted, I grabbed the attacker, put him in a chokehold and pulled him out. I called the Israelis who were with us, jumped back in and pulled the controls. The plane began to level out, and then the pilot told me he was taking control. Hayun, still wearing his blood-stained T-shirt, was embraced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the airport.
One passenger sustained minor injuries and received medical care at the airport. Magen David Adom teams and medical staff met the passengers with mobile intensive care units and ambulances on standby. A 51-year-old man was evacuated to hospital in mild condition with an upper-body injury.
Prime Minister and Officials Welcome Passengers
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport to welcome the passengers. Netanyahu praised Captain Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery, saying, He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. The Prime Minister also met with Hayun, placing his hands on his shoulders and pulling him into a hug.
Thousands gathered at the United Hatzalah Concert in Jerusalem near the Old City to celebrate the return of the Israeli passengers onboard FlyDubai. The incident has raised questions about security measures, as hardened cockpit doors since 9/11 can only be opened from the inside, and crew must knock and identify themselves to be admitted.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Ben Gurion Airport Benjamin Netanyahu Smit Machchhar Yaniv Hayun Dubai Tel Aviv
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