Flydubai captain

Israeli authorities say passengers and crew stopped an attempt to down a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after a co-pilot stabbed the pilot in the cockpit. Captain Smit Machchhar, described as a jovial father, thwarted the attacker and the plane landed safely, with Israeli passengers later returning home. The suspected attacker has been transferred to the UAE, and an international investigation is under way, with the motive still unknown.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a FlyDubai co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash their flight bound for Israel, attributing the attack to what he called "radical indoctrination." The incident prompted alarm over cockpit security and airline screening. Details about the flight, the captain's condition, and the investigation have not been fully confirmed by FlyDubai or other authorities.

New details are emerging about a FlyDubai co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain and attempting to crash the aircraft. Reports say the incident unfolded mid-flight, raising questions about cockpit security and how the crew managed to regain control. Investigators are reportedly examining the co-pilot's background and motives as the airline and authorities face scrutiny over the handling of the case.

Israel says a co-pilot stabbed the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, calling the incident a terrorist attack. The accusation has drawn international coverage, with dozens of news outlets differing in how they framed the attack, particularly over whether to adopt Israel's terrorism label. Details about the flight's route, the captain's condition and the co-pilot's motive remain unclear pending official statements.