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Passengers Foil Potential Hijacking on Flight to Israel

Source: BBC UK - Published: 01 Oct 2026 03:43

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a serious incident when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot at cruising altitude. Passengers intervened, overpowering the attacker and preventing what security sources described as a potential terrorist act aimed at crashing the plane into an Israeli city. Israeli officials have classified the event as an attempted terror attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers for their bravery, while security measures for flights to Israel are expected to be intensified. The pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, has been recognized for his courage during the incident, which saw the aircraft descend rapidly before being safely landed by off-duty pilots.

Briefed by Gibik from the original source.