Passengers Overpower Attacking co-pilot on flydubai Flight After Pilot Assault
Passengers on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv subdued an Omani co-pilot who attacked the Indian captain, despite crew members urging them to release the attacker.
On a flydubai service bound for Tel Aviv, Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Indian pilot Capt Smit Machchhar with a crash axe, injuring him severely. Despite his wounds, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Israeli passengers Tzvika Manes, Yaniv Hayoun and Asaf Rajuan overpowered al-Hammami, first using zip ties and later headphone wires to restrain him face-down.
According to two passengers, crew members later urged them to release the attacker, a request the passengers rejected while supplying an oxygen mask for his survival. Reserve pilots assumed control, and the plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed without further incident. Flydubai declined specific comment on crew behavior, stating it is supporting the ongoing investigation with relevant authorities.
Why it matters
The incident shows how passengers can intervene in an in-flight attack, raising questions about crew conduct and airline safety protocols.
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