New Delhi/Dubai: The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been arrested on charges of attempting to attack the aircraft’s captain, Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, with a knife during the flight, Media report said.
According to the information provided, the incident caused the aircraft to descend by nearly 17,400 feet in less than two minutes, creating a serious emergency situation on board.
Passengers and crew members reportedly entered the cockpit, overpowered and subdued the alleged attacker, and assisted in stabilising the aircraft. Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, continued efforts to bring the aircraft under control during the emergency. The incident has highlighted the critical role played by the captain, crew members and passengers in preventing a potentially serious aviation emergency.
The flight was carrying 174 people, and Captain Machchhar’s actions, together with the intervention of the crew and passengers, helped ensure that everyone on board reached safety.