Netanyahu, Modi Hail Indian Pilot as Hero in Flydubai Incident
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Indian pilot hailed as hero for preventing co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash Flydubai flight.
- Netanyahu and Modi praised the pilot's bravery in saving 174 passengers.
- The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain.
- Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, allowing other pilots to land the aircraft.
- UAE aviation authority is investigating the security incident.
- The pilot is stable after surgery in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have lauded the Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight, identified as Smitar Matta, for his heroism in saving passengers after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him. The incident, believed to be an attempt to crash the plane en route from the UAE to Israel, resulted in the aircraft making an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials confirmed all passengers arrived safely after travelers and crew subdued the co-pilot.
The confrontation began when the co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the plane to descend sharply by over 4,000 meters in less than 30 seconds. According to a spokesperson for Netanyahu, Matta, bleeding on the floor, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. Two other Flydubai pilots on board then landed the aircraft. Netanyahu stated that Matta saved the lives of 174 people, including Israelis.
Prime Minister Modi described Matta as a "hero" on social media, praising his "immense courage and unwavering resolve" in protecting lives under "the most dangerous circumstances." The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed Matta is receiving medical care in Tabuk and is in stable condition, with the embassy in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
Matta, who previously worked for SpiceJet for over 11 years, underwent surgery following the incident. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains unclear, with Flydubai urging against premature speculation. Netanyahu called the event a "very serious security incident" and indicated Saudi authorities would question the co-pilot.
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the "security incident" on flight FZ1073, stating it was controlled and led to the diversion and emergency landing. They noted injuries to some crew members who received hospital care and emphasized that passenger and crew safety is their top priority. The authority is coordinating with relevant bodies to investigate the causes and circumstances, urging the public to avoid unofficial information until the investigation concludes.
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