FlyDubai captain reveals new details of attack in Netanyahu phone call

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1. 2h ago

   FlyDubai Captain Reveals Attack Details in Netanyahu Call

   FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar shared new details about an in-flight attack during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Machchhar recounted how he fought off blows to the back of his head and nearly lost his vision before managing to open the cockpit door. The flight, carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a cockpit altercation involving the co-pilot. Israeli sources indicate investigators believe the co-pilot acted alone as a lone wolf. Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot as a hero and invited him to visit Israel.

   Why it matters

   Flight FZ1073 sparked regional security concerns and caused Israel to scramble warplanes before landing safely in Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew intervened during the crisis, which began when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit. The incident has drawn international attention due to the cross-border route and the rare mid-air confrontation between flight deck crew members.

   What is confirmed

   • FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a cockpit brawl.
   • Captain Smit Machchhar told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he received blows to the back of his head and nearly lost his vision before opening the cockpit door.
   • Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero and invited him to visit Israel.
   • Israeli investigators believe the co-pilot accused of trying to hijack the FlyDubai plane acted alone as a lone wolf.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The specific motive of the co-pilot behind the attack remains unknown.

   What to watch next

   • Official findings from investigators regarding the co-pilot's motive
   • Further announcements on Captain Smit Machchhar's scheduled visit to Israel
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. CNN — Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack Flydubai plane probably acted alone, Israeli sources say
   2. CBS News — Israeli investigators believe FlyDubai alleged hijacker was likely lone wolf, sources say
   3. Reuters — Like a 'vertical roller coaster': Simulating flight FZ1073's sudden plunge
   4. nbcnews.com — ‘Daddy, we don’t want to die’: Daughters’ words pushed Flydubai passenger to confront attacker
   5. Euronews.com — FlyDubai captain reveals new details of attack in Netanyahu phone call
   6. jen.jiji.com — TV ratings, Italy-Turkey on Rai1 wins prime time with 38.1% share
   7. www.euronews.com — FlyDubai captain said he had “one more fight left in me” and opened cockpit door
   8. www.businesstoday.in — Flydubai hero: Israel PM invites Captain Smit Machchhar to light prestigious Independence Day flame - Bus....
   9. www.examinerlive.co.uk — FlyDubai cockpit 'fight' with captain 'stabbed' as British relief pilot lands plane - Yorkshire Live
   10. www.deccanherald.com — Smit Machchhar: Benjamin Netanyahu calls Indian pilot hero, invites to Israel
   11. www.stuff.co.nz — Attacker's motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster | Stuff
   12. nypost.com — Israel-bound plane makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after pilots' brawl sparks hijacking fears: re....
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