Netanyahu Praises Helpers After Cockpit Attack on Israel-Bound Flight

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised an Israeli passenger and an Indian pilot for helping avert a disaster aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel.

The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including about 30 children, when an attack in the cockpit seriously wounded one pilot and sent the plane into a steep descent. The flight was later diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Passengers and crew intervened during the emergency before the aircraft was brought under control. All 174 passengers reportedly survived.

Netanyahu praises those who intervened

Netanyahu said he had met the Israeli passenger and described him as an “incredible hero” for acting under extremely difficult circumstances. He also credited the Indian pilot and other people who assisted during the incident.

“This young man just acts with incredible, incredible heroism and saves the day, along with the Indian pilot who was there and the others who came to help,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also referred to a conversation with President Trump, saying Trump had expressed appreciation for the actions taken during the flight.

Investigation continues

The identities of the Israeli passenger, the Indian pilot and the seriously wounded pilot have not been provided. It is also not clear from the available information whether the Indian pilot was the pilot who was injured.

The circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack remain under investigation.