Israeli airlines launch rescue flights for stranded passengers after Flydubai attempted hijacking
Israel will begin operating rescue flights to evacuate Israelis stranded in Dubai after Flydubai suspended flights for at least six days following an attempted hijacking aboard flight FZ1073
Rescue flights for Israelis stranded in Dubai will begin as early as tomorrow, operated by Israeli airlines under heavy security. Shin Bet security personnel are expected to arrive in Dubai to oversee security preparations for the return flights.
Emirates and Etihad are separately considering increasing flight capacity to boost service between Israel and the UAE. They are currently operating two daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Israel, while Flydubai has independently suspended service to Israel as it has initiated an internal investigation.
Israel is treating the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, as an attempted hijacking. According to Israeli officials, shortly after the flight entered Jordanian airspace, an Omani co-pilot stabbed the pilot, who was an Indian national, and attempted to forcibly take control of the aircraft. During the altercation, the pilot transmitted an emergency signal indicating a possible hijacking as the plane plunged 14,000 feet in a single minute and was diverted toward Saudi Arabia.
Israeli passengers and crew who heard the altercation managed to subdue the co-pilot, though his intent remains unclear. An Israeli official said it is unknown whether he intended to hijack the plane toward Israel, crash it, or carry out a 9/11-style attack, but added, "What is clear is that he wanted to hijack the plane and that a major disaster was averted."
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, calling him a "HERO" in a post on X. "In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others," Modi wrote. "His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy." Modi said he prayed for the captain's "speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health."
All passengers have since returned safely to Israel aboard a Flydubai rescue flight whose staff were vetted and approved by Mossad.