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Indian Pilot Saves Israel-Bound Flight After Omani Pilot Stabs UAE Captain Mid-Air
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News18•30-09-2026, 19:05
Indian Pilot Saves Israel-Bound Flight After Omani Pilot Stabs UAE Captain Mid-Air
- •An Omani co-pilot stabbed the main UAE pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, causing a global stir.
- •The flight, carrying 180 passengers, mostly Israeli citizens, experienced a sudden 14,000-foot plunge during the incident.
- •Indian pilot Smith Machhar reportedly overpowered the attacking Omani pilot and safely landed the aircraft.
- •Israeli authorities are investigating the incident, including a potential terrorist angle and an attempt to crash the aircraft.
- •The aircraft sent emergency codes 7700 (general emergency) and 7500 (hijacking alert) before diverting to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
An Omani co-pilot stabbed the UAE main pilot in the cockpit and tried to take control of the aircraft, causing the plane to plunge 14,000 feet before it was safely diverted to Saudi Arabia.
An Indian pilot identified as Smith Machhar, along with some off-duty pilots and passengers, intervened, overpowered the attacking co-pilot, and secured the aircraft for a safe landing.
The aircraft first broadcasted the 7700 emergency code for general emergencies and subsequently sent out the 7500 code designated for aircraft hijacking alerts.
