Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the heroic actions of passengers aboard a FlyDubai flight after an attempted cockpit hijacking. An Omani co-pilot reportedly stabbed a fellow pilot and tried to crash the plane with over 100 passengers onboard, leading to a harrowing mid-flight emergency.
Passengers, including Israelis and other nationalities, quickly subdued the attacker, and the crew managed to regain control, averting a potential catastrophe akin to a 'another 9/11.' Netanyahu lauded the bravery of Yaniv Chayon, who broke into the cockpit and restrained the attacker, emphasizing that his quick thinking and courage prevented an 'unbelievable' disaster. The incident resulted in a rapid descent from 30,000 to 17,000 feet before the plane safely diverted to Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
The injured Israeli pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, fought for his life after sustaining severe injuries. Authorities detained the attacker, an Omani national, in Saudi Arabia, as investigations continue into his motives, which remain unclear.
Netanyahu linked the attack to anti-Semitic sentiments, blaming hatred and propaganda for fueling such violence, and expressed concern over escalating global antisemitism. The event highlights the importance of quick passenger action and has prompted Israel to suspend flights during the investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the heroic actions of passengers aboard a FlyDubai flight after an attempted cockpit hijacking. An Omani co-pilot reportedly stabbed a fellow pilot and tried to crash the plane with over 100 passengers onboard, leading to a harrowing mid-flight emergency.
Passengers, including Israelis and other nationalities, quickly subdued the attacker, and the crew managed to regain control, averting a potential catastrophe akin to a 'another 9/11.' Netanyahu lauded the bravery of Yaniv Chayon, who broke into the cockpit and restrained the attacker, emphasizing that his quick thinking and courage prevented an 'unbelievable' disaster. The incident resulted in a rapid descent from 30,000 to 17,000 feet before the plane safely diverted to Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
The injured Israeli pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, fought for his life after sustaining severe injuries. Authorities detained the attacker, an Omani national, in Saudi Arabia, as investigations continue into his motives, which remain unclear.
Netanyahu linked the attack to anti-Semitic sentiments, blaming hatred and propaganda for fueling such violence, and expressed concern over escalating global antisemitism. The event highlights the importance of quick passenger action and has prompted Israel to suspend flights during the investigation.