Hero Pilot Honored After Foiling Attack on Flydubai Flight

Saudi Arabia declined Israel's request to observe the investigation into the emergency landing of a Flydubai flight in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. An Israeli official told Ynet that the Saudis are actively trying to exclude Israel from the inquiry. However, following the transfer of the two pilots involved to Emirati custody, Israel hopes to leverage its close cooperation with Abu Dhabi to gain access to the investigation, at least as an observer.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior reported that the flight, carrying 174 passengers and 8 crew members, landed in Tabuk after the co-pilot attacked the captain. Both pilots sustained injuries and were hospitalized. After their medical condition improved and they received clearance, they were flown to Abu Dhabi accompanied by Emirati security personnel.

Saudi Arabia stated it handled the emergency according to its international and humanitarian obligations. Meanwhile, the government of Gujarat, India, announced it would honor the flight's captain, Indian national Smith Machchhar, for his actions against the co-pilot. It is believed Machchhar was stabbed in the cockpit with an emergency axe until Israeli passengers subdued the attacker. Gujarat's Prime Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the captain's "unwavering courage," emphasizing that his actions saved the lives of those on board.