A Flydubai pilot suspected of attempting to crash a passenger aircraft en route to Israel was previously grounded in Oman over concerns he held extremist views, citing a source speaking to the Associated Press. The scheduled flight carried 174 passengers, including 166 Israeli citizens, from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent struggle broke out inside the cockpit.
According to investigative details, the pilot—identified by Israeli sources as a national of Oman—stabbed Indian flight captain Smit Machchhar during the journey. As the two men fought for control, the aircraft entered a steep, rapid dive toward the ground. The decision to revoke the pilot’s flying privileges was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Cockpit Struggle and Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia
The injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door during the physical altercation, allowing several passengers to rush forward and subdue the suspect. One of the passengers intervened directly to halt the aircraft’s fatal descent, an action executed with such force that the plane’s tail fin broke. The flight ultimately made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, preventing a catastrophic crash.
Following the incident, passengers were transferred to another Flydubai aircraft to complete their journey to Tel Aviv. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi later connected via a video call with the wounded captain, Smit Machchhar, to acknowledge his actions during the attack.
Background Checks and Employment History at Flydubai
Following the grounding order issued in his home country, the pilot was subsequently hired by Flydubai, according to the source speaking to the Associated Press. It is currently unclear how thorough a background check was conducted when he was hired in the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flydubai Incident
Which airline operated the flight involved in the incident?
Flydubai operated the aircraft, which was traveling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv in Israel.
How many people were on board the aircraft?
The flight carried 174 passengers, of whom 166 were Israeli citizens, alongside the flight crew.
Where did the plane ultimately land?
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers subdued the attacker and halted the aircraft’s steep descent.
Who was injured during the cockpit altercation?
Indian flight captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by the pilot before managing to open the cockpit door for passengers to intervene.
Outstanding Questions in the Ongoing Investigation
It is currently unclear how thorough a background check was conducted when the pilot was hired in the United Arab Emirates.
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