Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the violent cockpit incident on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv as an act of "unbelievable courage" that prevented a disaster of "unbelievable proportions." Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Netanyahu credited passengers, specifically Yaniv Chayon, for subduing the alleged attacker and stabilizing the aircraft.
The incident involved a suspected hijacking on Flight 1073, which was carrying more than 100 people. According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed or struck the captain with an ax, causing the pilot to bleed profusely. While the captain was incapacitated, the aircraft dropped from 30,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly one minute. The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the attacker. Other pilots aboard took control of the nosediving plane and diverted it to Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
Netanyahu met with Chayon earlier on Wednesday, praising his ability to take control of the plane under "impossible" circumstances. The prime minister recounted a conversation in which Chayon stated he "just had to do it" to save his family and the 174 passengers, most of whom were Israelis. Netanyahu characterized the attack as rooted in antisemitism and "fanaticism," stating that the attacker aimed to kill approximately 170 people along with himself.
The pilot of Flight 1073 has been identified as Capt. Smit Machchhar. Netanyahu said Machchhar is "fighting for his life" after sustaining severe injuries. An Israeli official identified the co-pilot, who is suspected of the attack, as an Omani national. The alleged attacker was arrested after the plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, according to Netanyahu's comments to Reuters.
FlyDubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the incident. The airline noted that the suspect's motive remains unknown. Israeli officials stated that investigators are examining whether the co-pilot acted alone. Netanyahu blamed "propaganda" that vilifies Israel for fostering the hatred behind the attack. He concluded by noting that if a passenger is hijacked, they should ensure an Israeli is seated nearby.