A pilot was stabbed in the cockpit of a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel, prompting an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, for his bravery after he was attacked by a colleague. The Boeing 737 MAX made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning. The injured pilot is in stable condition in hospital.
The incident occurred as the aircraft was flying from the UAE to Tel Aviv. Passengers reported panic in the cabin, with some describing a struggle in the cockpit. A passenger reportedly grabbed the attacker and took control of the plane. The pilot involved in the altercation was arrested. Israeli officials confirmed the situation was under investigation.
The attack comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Military strikes between the US and Israel against Iran escalated regional conflict, leading to displacement of over 1.2 million people in Lebanon. Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones into Israel, while Israeli forces have carried out numerous strikes in Lebanon. The incident highlights the heightened security risks for commercial flights in the region.
