Herusa, Oct 1:
A suspected mid-air attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was foiled after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, according to Israeli media reports.
The captain, identified by some reports as Indian-origin Smit Machchhar, fought back despite being injured. Passengers and off-duty pilots travelling on the flight reportedly rushed to the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker.
The aircraft, carrying more than 180 people, subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were taken to hospital, with reports saying the captain was seriously injured.
An Israeli passenger said the aircraft appeared to descend during the struggle in the cockpit. An Israeli dentist travelling on the flight reportedly treated the injured pilot.
The Omani co-pilot is being investigated over the incident. Israeli authorities are also examining how he was cleared to operate a flight to Israel amid existing security screening procedures for foreign crew members.