MID-FLIGHT HORROR: Pilot hailed as ‘hero’ after co-pilot allegedly attacks him

International

SCREAMS, a struggle in the cockpit and a sudden 17,000ft plunge turned an Israel-bound flight into an emergency, as passengers and crew moved to subdue an alleged attacker.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, as the pilot attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions during the incident, describing him as a “hero” in a post on X.

The aircraft plunged 17,000ft (5,200m) in less than two minutes before being diverted to Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu said Machchhar displayed “extraordinary bravery” by fighting back against the attacker and helping prevent a potential mid-air disaster.

According to a BBC report, passengers described scenes of panic aboard the aircraft, with one reporting “terrible screams throughout the plane” before several men rushed into the cockpit and subdued the alleged assailant.

Another passenger said those aboard intervened against “an assailant with a knife”, adding that they took control of the flight. Two other pilots, who were reportedly seated at the back of the plane, also came forward to help land the aircraft.

The passengers have since arrived in Israel. One man, still wearing a blood-stained T-shirt, spoke to Netanyahu about how he helped stop the attack.

Netanyahu said the pilot accused of carrying out the attack had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.(MyTVCebu)