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How was the plane brought under control after the cockpit attack?

After the Flydubai cockpit attack, flight FZ1073 was landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia with help from passengers and two backup pilots on board. The Indian captain, who was on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, said he was stabbed by the co-pilot but still opened the cockpit door and helped the others get inside.

The aircraft suddenly lost altitude about two and a half hours after takeoff on Wednesday morning and dropped by more than 17,000 feet. The crew first sent an emergency signal to air traffic control, then activated squawk code 7500, which indicates hijacking.

Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call that, while he was injured on the ground, he noticed the plane descending and made one final effort to open the door from inside.

Machchhar said, "I was not going to let others die."

What is known about the incident

  • Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
  • There were more than 170 passengers on board.
  • Passengers and crew helped restrain the attacker.
  • The aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport at 06:58 local time.

What did officials say, and what stage is the investigation at?

Benjamin Netanyahu said in remarks to the media that one pilot stabbed the other and appeared to have tried to bring the plane down. The Israeli prime minister said the attacker was a citizen of Oman and suggested the initial findings pointed to radical ideological influence.

According to the United Arab Emirates state news agency, officials are investigating whether the incident was connected to any terrorist activity or terrorist intent. Those reports also said the attacker was restrained by passengers and cabin crew before being tied up.

The pilot’s condition and reactions

Machchhar was taken to hospital in Tabuk and later transferred by air to Abu Dhabi. The Indian Embassy in the UAE also said his condition was stable and that he was in good health and recovering well.

After the pilot’s identity became public in India, social media was filled with messages of support. In his conversation with Modi, the Indian leader said Machchhar’s courage, composure and quick decisions saved many lives.

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