A FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, after an assault on the pilot and crew in the cockpit. The incident occurred on flight FZ 1073, which had 174 passengers on board, including 166 Israelis. The plane, which was flying at an altitude of approximately 34,000 feet, dropped to less than 17,000 feet within minutes, according to flight tracking data.
The pilot, identified as Indian national Smit Matkar, was attacked by his co-pilot, but managed to regain control of the aircraft and divert it to Tabuk. Matkar's bravery was praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described him as a "hero". The incident is currently under investigation, and Matkar is receiving medical treatment in a Tabuk hospital. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Matkar's condition is stable.
An Israeli passenger, identified as Yaniv Hayon, a plumber, played a crucial role in subduing the co-pilot who had attacked the pilot. According to reports, Hayon entered the cockpit, overpowered the co-pilot, and took control of the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Hayon's actions, saying that he helped prevent a major disaster.
Netanyahu described the incident in detail, stating that Hayon had entered the cockpit, seen the attacker, and grabbed him from behind, pulling him back and sitting in the pilot's seat. The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that Hayon's actions were instrumental in averting a potential catastrophe.
Passengers on board the flight described the incident as "terrifying", with many reporting that they were unaware of the severity of the situation until the plane began its descent. The flight was originally scheduled to land in Tel Aviv, but the emergency landing in Tabuk was made due to the medical emergency on board.
FlyDubai confirmed that a "dispute" had occurred in the cockpit, leading to the diversion of the flight. The airline did not provide further details on the incident, but confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe.
The incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities, and an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the assault is expected to be launched. The safety of passengers and crew is of utmost importance, and the incident highlights the importance of stringent security measures on flights.
Key points
- The incident highlights the bravery of the pilot and passengers in responding to the emergency situation.
- The incident is under investigation, and an inquiry is expected to be launched into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
- The safety of passengers and crew was not compromised, thanks to the actions of the pilot and passengers.
