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Flydubai FZ1073 Attack: What Happened Inside The Cockpit? David Mencer Responds
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News18•01-10-2026, 22:29
Flydubai FZ1073 Attack: What Happened Inside The Cockpit? David Mencer Responds
- •Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson David Mencer addressed the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit crisis and Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions.
- •The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, carrying 174 people, experienced an alleged cockpit attack, triggering an emergency and a sharp loss of altitude.
- •Captain Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker.
- •The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely after the incident.
- •Mencer described the event as an attempted hijacking, comparing potential consequences to the September 11 attacks, with motives still under investigation.
Key Questions Answered
Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced an alleged cockpit attack carrying 174 people, leading to a sharp altitude drop, an emergency diversion to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, and a safe landing.
Despite being seriously injured, Captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene, subdue the attacker, and ensure the aircraft landed safely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson, David Mencer, described the event as an attempted hijacking with potential consequences comparable to the September 11 attacks, while noting that investigations into the circumstances and motive are ongoing.
