Hero FlyDubai pilot who fought back against attacker identified as Indian Capt Smit Machchhar
Indian Prime Minister praised FlyDubai Flight 1073 pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar, calling him a hero after he managed to open the cockpit door amidst an attempted hijacking attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel on Wednesday.
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Wounded Dubai flight captain recovering in UAE hospital as investigation continues
Capt. Smit Machchhar, the wounded pilot credited with opening the cockpit door so passengers could stop the Dubai flight attacker, is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
Fox News foreign correspondent Jeff Paul reported on “Special Report” that both the captain and the accused co-pilot have been transferred to the UAE, where the suspect remains under investigation.
The UAE is leading the investigation with Israel and Saudi Arabia to determine the attacker’s motive and possible ties to terrorism, Paul reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar, saying the Indian captain unlocked the cockpit despite his injuries, allowing passengers to rush in.
Netanyahu also credited passengers who helped level the aircraft and restrain the suspect, along with the reserve crew who landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
After being subdued, the suspect shouted “kill me” to the crew, Netanyahu said.
Authorities were still interrogating the Omani suspect, who Israeli officials said may have acted alone, according to Paul.
Dubai flight hero asks Netanyahu to ‘Tell Trump that I love him’
The Israeli plumber who helped stop the attacker aboard the Dubai-to-Israel flight had a personal message for President Donald Trump when he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Tell Trump that I love him,” Yaniv Hayoun said in Hebrew, according to a translation of his remarks.
Netanyahu met with Hayoun and other flight heroes in his office, hearing their accounts of confronting the attacker and helping save the aircraft.
“The entire world sees Israeli heroism,” Netanyahu told them, according to a translated statement from his office. “You will light a torch of civilian heroism on Independence Day.”
Netanyahu praised their courage, resourcefulness and faith, crediting them with preventing a grave disaster and saving lives.
Netanyahu plugs heroic plumber’s business after Dubai flight rescue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is giving a plumber who helped stop the Dubai flight attacker a boost for his business.
Sharing the passenger’s business page on X, Netanyahu praised his lifesaving actions and offered a personal recommendation.
“Yonatan Haim is a hero who saved many lives. He can help you too, I highly recommend!” Netanyahu wrote, according to a translation of his Hebrew post.
The endorsement followed Netanyahu’s praise for the passengers and wounded captain who intervened aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight before it landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Dubai flight survivor showered with kisses by dogs during live TV appearance
An Israeli passenger who survived the attack aboard the Dubai-to-Israel flight received an affectionate welcome from his dogs, who showered him with kisses during a live television appearance.
The moment drew a warm response from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who shared the video on X.
“I don’t speak Hebrew but don’t need to in order to understand the intvu,” Huckabee wrote. “It’s about a man and his dog. And I understand that!”
The reunion offered a lighter moment after the terrifying flight, during which passengers and crew intervened following an attack on the captain.
‘Terror will not break’ Israel-UAE bonds, ambassador says after Dubai flight attack
Ambassador Yossi Shelley thanked the UAE for standing by Israel and declared that the Dubai flight attack would not fracture the countries’ partnership.
“Yesterday’s incident was not only an attempt to harm Israeli civilians, but also an attempt to undermine the strong ties between Israel and the UAE and the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Shelley wrote on X.
Shelley praised the UAE’s leadership and people for maintaining flights to and from Israel during difficult periods, calling their support “solidarity and friendship.”
He also thanked the flydubai crew and Capt. Smit Machchhar for their “courage, professionalism and dedication” in bringing passengers home safely.
“The Abraham Accords are an anchor of stability and a bridge between our peoples,” Shelley wrote. “Terror will not break the bonds we have built together.”
Shelley said Israelis and Emiratis stand united against terrorism and extremism, emphasizing their shared commitment to peace and stability.
Israeli president seeks bravery medal for woman who sounded alarm on Dubai flight
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he intends to recommend a civilian bravery medal for Tali Niss, crediting her with alerting passengers and summoning pilots during the Dubai flight attack.
Herzog said he spoke with Niss about her actions during the emergency aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
“Tali immediately identified the danger, alerted the passengers, and called for help,” he wrote on X, according to a translation of his Hebrew post.
After the attacker was subdued, Niss called pilots seated toward the rear of the aircraft to the cockpit to help regain control, Herzog said.
“Tali, you are a heroine,” he wrote. “I am proud of you and thank you on behalf of the State of Israel.”
Herzog said he would recommend that an advisory committee include Niss among five Israelis nominated for the President’s Medal for Civilian Bravery, praising their courage and resourcefulness in life-threatening danger.
Dubai flight attacker used feet to destroy cockpit controls, Israeli spokesman says
The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was standing over the aircraft’s controls and using his feet to destroy them, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
David Mencer told “The Story” that Netanyahu received the account from a passenger who entered the cockpit with crew members.
“That pilot wasn't sitting in the pilot's chair,” Mencer said. “He was standing over the controls. He was using his feet to destroy the controls of the aircraft while he was attacking that Indian pilot.”
Mencer said the account showed the attacker intended to bring down the aircraft. He also said Netanyahu had described the suspect as a radical Islamist.
Host Martha MacCallum emphasized that investigators still needed to determine whether anyone directed the suspect, whether the attack had been planned or whether he decided to act that morning.
Indian ambassador honors Dubai flight captain at Tel Aviv gathering
India’s ambassador to Israel paid tribute to Capt. Smit Machchhar at a gathering in Tel Aviv, praising the wounded pilot’s role in helping save 174 lives aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073.
Ambassador JP Singh honored Machchhar during the India-Israel Festival and National Convention of Indian Jews, India’s embassy in Israel said on X.
Singh said the captain’s bravery had made Israel and the world proud, according to the embassy.
The ambassador also wished Machchhar a speedy and complete recovery following the attack aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
India’s president salutes wounded Dubai flight captain who helped avert tragedy
India’s president praised Capt. Smit Machchhar for protecting passengers despite serious injuries during the attack aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
“The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar,” the president’s official account wrote on X. “His heroic courage and incredible presence of mind have deeply touched us all.”
The post credited Machchhar’s determination and quick response with helping prevent a major tragedy.
“Even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others,” the statement read.
Israeli officials have credited the captain with opening the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
“I salute his indomitable spirit,” the president wrote. “I pray for his speedy recovery and good health.”
India’s prime minister says Dubai flight captain prevented ‘another 9/11 like attack’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Capt. Smit Machchhar for fighting back during the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight attack, calling his actions “the highest form of courage.”
“Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening,” Modi wrote on X.
Machchhar has been credited by Israeli officials with opening the cockpit door despite serious injuries, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Modi said India’s 1.4 billion people salute the captain and are praying for his well-being.
Netanyahu calls Dubai flight rescue ‘a chain of miracles with divine assistance’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Dubai flight rescue as “a chain of miracles with divine assistance” during a Torah study session focused on heroism.
Netanyahu hosted the Hoshana Rabba gathering Thursday evening in the Knesset sukkah, according to his office.
“The tradition of Jewish heroism tips the scales,” Netanyahu said. “What happened yesterday is a chain of miracles with divine assistance.”
His remarks followed the attack aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, where passengers and crew intervened before the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
GOP lawmaker praises Dubai flight heroes who helped save four Americans
Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., praised the passengers and captain who helped stop the attack aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073, saying their courage sent a message to terrorists.
“The courage displayed aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073 is nothing short of extraordinary,” Harris wrote on X.
Harris singled out Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, saying he saw innocent people in danger and “acted without hesitation.”
“His bravery, alongside the actions of Captain Smit Machchhar and others on board, helped save 174 lives, including four Americans,” Harris wrote.
The State Department previously confirmed that four Americans were aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, which diverted to Saudi Arabia.
“God bless these heroes and the message they send to radicalized terrorists plotting attacks around the world,” Harris added. “Good will always triumph over evil.”
Israel sends investigators to UAE after Dubai flight suspect’s transfer, Netanyahu spokesman says
Israel is sending investigators to the United Arab Emirates to help determine whether anyone directed the co-pilot accused of trying to bring down the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
David Mencer told “The Story” that Netanyahu confirmed the Omani suspect had been transferred to the UAE, allowing Israeli teams to join the UAE-led investigation.
“We'll get to know a whole lot more information now that he's in the UAE and we can join the investigation,” Mencer said.
Mencer also relayed a chilling account Netanyahu received from a passenger who entered the cockpit: The attacker was allegedly standing over the aircraft’s controls and using his feet to destroy them while attacking the captain.
“His objective was to bring down that airplane,” Mencer said.
The spokesman alleged the attack was intended to undermine the Abraham Accords and disrupt Israel’s election. He did not provide evidence supporting those claims or establish whether the suspect had been directed by Iran or another organization.
Investigators would examine the suspect’s motives, plans and possible connections, Mencer said.
Boston native held girl’s hand as Dubai flight plunged, drafted goodbye messages
A Boston native aboard the plunging Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight held hands with an 11-year-old girl and prepared goodbye messages to her family as she feared she might not survive.
Mika Bauman, 25, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, described the terrifying ordeal to NBC News, saying passengers screamed as the aircraft suddenly descended during the cockpit attack.
“We didn't let go until Saudi Arabia,” Bauman told the outlet.
Bauman said she could not see what was happening at the front of the aircraft but could tell it was angled toward the ground. She described intense pressure as the jet fell.
The flight eventually stabilized and landed safely in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew intervened.
Bauman said she deleted the messages she had prepared for her family once the immediate danger passed, determined to believe she would make it home to Tel Aviv.
The attack remains under investigation, including whether it was terrorism-related.
Dubai flight attack exposes cockpit threat airlines may overlook, security expert warns
Airlines need to look harder at the people inside the cockpit, an aviation security expert warned after the attack aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Arik Arad, founder of CYVIATION and former head of security for El Al at Ben Gurion Airport, said the incident should prompt stronger employee screening and closer attention to pilots’ mental health.
“I don't think that most of the airlines are actually aware of a potential threat that comes from the inside the cockpit,” Arad said.
He recommended psychological, behavioral and environmental assessments alongside pilots’ required medical exams and simulator training to identify stress or other problems.
Airlines, he argued, may be unwilling or unable to devote enough resources to monitoring pilots’ daily mental health.
Arad predicted the incident would lead to additional security procedures and regulations, including changes to employee background checks.
“I believe this will teach us all a lesson of how to actually examine pilots further,” he said.
Pompeo praises Dubai flight heroes, says Israel ‘will never be defeated by jihadism’
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised Israeli passengers who intervened aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, saying their heroism helped avert a catastrophe.
“The attempted terrorist attack aboard the FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv could have been absolutely catastrophic, if not for the heroism of the Israeli passengers on board,” Pompeo wrote on X.
While acknowledging that details were still emerging, Pompeo delivered a forceful message of support for Israel.
“The people of Israel will never be defeated by jihadism,” he wrote. “Never forget that their fight is our fight too.”
In a separate post, Pompeo also praised Capt. Smit Machchhar, the wounded pilot credited with opening the cockpit door so passengers and crew could intervene.
Pompeo said everyone should aspire to the captain’s bravery and quick thinking, adding, “Praying for his quick recovery.”
Dubai flight captain and co-pilot leave Saudi Arabia with UAE security team, ministry says
The captain and co-pilot involved in the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight incident have left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi accompanied by an Emirati security team, Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said Thursday.
Both had been hospitalized and were cleared to travel after their conditions improved, according to a translation of the ministry’s statement.
The ministry described preliminary findings as an “altercation” between the captain and co-pilot that injured both. Its statement did not address Israeli officials’ allegations that the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to crash the aircraft.
Saudi authorities said the plane landed safely in Tabuk at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday with 174 passengers and eight crew members aboard.
Passengers continued their journey on a replacement FlyDubai aircraft at 5:40 p.m. The remaining crew returned to Dubai separately.
The ministry said Saudi investigators worked with a UAE security team and emphasized that its response followed international and humanitarian obligations.
Confirmed Iran link to Dubai flight attacker could trigger Israeli response, sources say
Israel could respond if investigators confirm an Iranian link to the co-pilot accused of trying to crash the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, regional sources told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst.
Reporting on “America Reports,” Yingst said the investigation remained ongoing after President Donald Trump suggested Iran may be connected to the suspect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that it was “too early to say whether he had any connections with Iran or with anyone else.”
Fox News contributor and Hudson Institute senior fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs said a weakened Iranian regime could still inspire or direct violence, while the segment emphasized that no connection had been established.
Heinrichs also praised the passengers and wounded captain who intervened, comparing their courage to Todd Beamer’s actions aboard United Flight 93.
“It’s that kind of courage and behavior that’s really going to save the day,” she said.
She warned against allowing the attack to undermine progress between Israel and the UAE, calling flydubai a symbol of the Abraham Accords.
The airline has suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate.
‘We don’t want to die’ daughters cried as dad helped stop Dubai flight attacker
An Israeli father who helped subdue the accused attacker aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight said his three young daughters screamed that they did not want to die as the aircraft plunged.
Passenger Tzvika Manes told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that his daughters, ages 11, 7 and 6, were terrified during the cockpit attack.
“They were shouting, ‘We don't want to die,’” Manes said, describing “very emotional and very traumatic moments.”
Manes was one of four Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain, Yingst reported from Tel Aviv.
“When your family is behind, you're running to the fire,” Manes said. “We're trying to save them.”
He recalled passengers shouting and falling under the forces of the aircraft’s dive.
“He tried to do 9/11 in Israel,” Manes said. “And thank God we overcome this situation.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect appeared to have been radicalized but cautioned that possible connections remained under investigation.
“I think it's too early to say whether he had any connections with Iran or with anyone else,” Netanyahu said in remarks aired during the report.
Trump says Iran 'could have been' responsible for FlyDubai attack
President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) "could have been" responsible for the bloody attack on FlyDubai flight 1073 on Wednesday.
When asked by Fox News' Peter Doocy if he had been briefed on a possible connection between Iran and the Omani copilot who stabbed the FlyDubai pilot, Trump responded, "We're working on it. Right now they're being very open with us. I would say the answer based on what I'm hearing is yes."
Trump also, in response to Doocy asking if the attacker could have been trained by the IRGC, said "could have been."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox & Friends on Thursday morning that it was too early to know if the attacker had terrorist connections, but said we would know soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox & Friends on Thursday morning that it was too early to know if the attacker had terrorist connections, but said we would know soon.