What happened
A heroic co-pilot, despite suffering massive blood loss from stab wounds, managed to fight off an alleged hijacker and save an Israel-bound flight carrying 174 people.
The incident occurred on Flydubai Flight 1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Israel. The pilot, believed to be an Omani citizen, stabbed the co-pilot, Indian national Capt. Smit Machchhar, and attempted to crash the plane.
However, Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to subdue the pilot and stabilize the plane. Off-duty pilots on board then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's bravery, stating that he saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. Machchhar is currently in stable condition in a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
The would-be hijacker is in custody in Saudi Arabia. The incident has been widely reported, with many hailing Machchhar and the passengers who helped subdue the pilot as heroes.
