A flydubai pilot, Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and prevent a potential crash. The incident occurred on a flight carrying 174 passengers.
Mr. Machchhar, an Indian citizen from Mumbai, was reportedly stabbed by his fellow pilot, an Omani national, in an apparent attempt to crash the plane. Despite being seriously injured and covered in blood, Mr. Machchhar clicked the release to open the cockpit door.
This action allowed passengers and crew, including an off-duty British pilot, a plumber, and a dentist, to enter the cockpit, overpower the attacker, and stabilise the aircraft. The plane had reportedly plunged nearly 14,000ft (4,267 metres) in less than 30 seconds before being brought under control.
The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, a north-western city in Saudi Arabia, where Mr. Machchhar is currently receiving hospital treatment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both praised Mr. Machchhar's actions, calling him a "hero" for his courage in saving hundreds of lives.