Pilot on Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai 'prevented another 9/11,' Netanyahu says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   FlyDubai flight diverted after pilot stabbed copilot

   A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a pilot allegedly stabbed his copilot in a cockpit attack. Passengers helped subdue the attacker, preventing a potential disaster. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the heroism of the passengers and pilot, saying they 'prevented another 9/11'. The incident's motive and the attacker's identity remain unclear.

   Why it matters

   The incident occurred on a FlyDubai flight, a Dubai-based airline, on its way to Tel Aviv, Israel. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the cockpit attack. Israeli officials and passengers have been praised for their heroism in thwarting the attack.

   What is confirmed

   • The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a brawl between pilots.
   • Israeli officials say passengers helped thwart an attempted jihadist terror attack.
   • The pilot who was stabbed, Captain Smit Machchhar, is an Indian national.
   • Netanyahu praised the heroism of the passengers and pilot, saying they 'prevented another 9/11'.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The alleged hijacker went through Islamic radicalization, according to Netanyahu.
   • Iran may have been behind the alleged Flydubai hijacking attempt, according to Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Investigation into the motive and identity of the attacker
   • Possible links between the attacker and Iran or other organizations
   • Reactions from FlyDubai and aviation authorities
   Sources used for this update (23)

   1. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   2. www.cbsnews.com — Dubai to Israel flight makes emergency landing, passenger says "co-pilot tried to murder the pilot" and crash jet
   3. CNN — Live updates: Hero passenger says he put attacker in a chokehold after cockpit struggle
   4. abcnews.com — Tel Aviv flight passengers sprang into action after pilot stabbed copilot in alleged terror attack: Netanyahu
   5. The New York Times — Who Is the FlyDubai Pilot Being Hailed as a Hero?
   6. AP News — Attacker's identity and motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster
   7. Reuters — Israel vows to get to 'root' of flydubai attack, UAE launches investigation
   8. The Washington Post — Who is the Indian pilot who fought off his cockpit attacker?
   9. NBC News — Screaming, panicking, blood: Passengers detail horrifying Israel-bound flight
   10. Fox News — Pilot on Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai 'prevented another 9/11,' Netanyahu says
   11. Axios — Netanyahu: Omani co-pilot went through Islamic radicalization
   12. cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane
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