Pilots Return to UAE After Hijacking Attempt Aboard FlyDubai Flight

Both pilots of a FlyDubai flight that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an attempted hijacking have returned to the United Arab Emirates. Captain Smith Machchhar, who was severely injured in the attack, and the co-pilot, who was also wounded while being subdued by passengers, were flown to Abu Dhabi under escort. Machchhar, whose condition has stabilized after suffering multiple stab wounds, will receive further treatment at a UAE hospital. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, remains in custody and is suspected of attempting to hijack and destroy the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft carrying 174 passengers, most of whom were Israeli citizens. An Israeli investigation team is expected to arrive in the UAE shortly to participate in the interrogation of the co-pilot. The UAE will lead the further investigation with Israeli involvement.

The incident occurred on September 30 when the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following an attack by the co-pilot on the captain. The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude shortly after takeoff, with distress codes indicating unlawful interference on board. Passengers intervened when they discovered the captain injured and the co-pilot attempting to damage the plane's controls. Passengers, including Yaniv Hayun, Tzvika Manes, and Assaf Radjuan, subdued the co-pilot, tying him up with headphone wires. Hayun briefly took control of the aircraft to prevent a dive, recalling procedures from a television show. Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist, assisted in subduing the attacker before tending to the critically wounded captain, reassuring him he would survive. The co-pilot reportedly asked to be killed during the struggle.