'They're stabbing the pilot': Passenger who helped overpower attacker on FlyDubai flight speaks out, tell me about this news today
02-10-2026
The headline refers to firsthand accounts from passengers aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073 (flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv) who intervened after an emergency broke out inside the cockpit mid-air.
How the Incident UnfoldedThe Attack: The co-pilot, identified by officials as an Omani national, reportedly attacked the captain, Smit Machchhar (an Indian national), stabbing him inside the cockpit in an apparent attempt to crash the Boeing 737 MAX.
The Plunge: During the violent struggle, the aircraft entered a steep, sudden nosedive, causing intense panic across the passenger cabin.
The Cockpit Door Opens: Despite receiving severe stab wounds to his head, neck, and hands, Captain Machchhar managed to release the cockpit door lock, allowing people outside to see what was happening.
AP News
The Alarm: Passenger Tzvika Manes recounted that he was seated in the front row of business class when his wife, who was waiting near the lavatory outside the cockpit, began shouting: “They’re stabbing the pilot! They’re stabbing the pilot!”
AP NewsStorming the Cockpit: Several passengers, including Manes and Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayun, immediately rushed into the flight deck.
Subduing the Attacker: Passengers wrestled the assailant to the floor, pulled him clear of the instruments, and restrained him using zip ties and audio cables.
Pulling Out of the Dive: Hayun explained in interviews that as the attacker was being restrained, he reached for the aircraft’s control column and pulled back to help level the wingsrecalling techniques he had seen in aviation documentariesuntil two off-duty relief pilots on board took command of the controls.
Emergency Medical Aid: A dentist among the passengers provided immediate trauma care to Captain Machchhar to halt severe arterial bleeding until the aircraft could touch down.
The flight made an emergency diversion and landed safely at Tabuk Regional Airport in Saudi Arabia. The attacker was arrested immediately upon landing, Captain Machchhar was taken to a nearby medical facility for emergency surgery and is recovering, and aviation security officials launched international investigations into cockpit security procedures and motive.