Another 9/11 averted, says Benjamin Netanyahu after flydubai cockpit attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the dramatic attack aboard a Flydubai flight could have turned into another “9/11”, after an Indian pilot was attacked by his co-pilot mid-air and passengers were forced to storm the cockpit. The incident unfolded aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a sharp object and allegedly tried to damage the aircraft's flight control panels. Seriously injured, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door before collapsing. Passengers and crew then rushed inside, restrained the attacker and helped regain control of the aircraft. Two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight also stepped in to fly the plane. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was arrested. Captain Machchhar is recovering in Tabuk, while Saudi, UAE and Omani authorities investigate the incident and analyse the flight recorders.