Aussies confirmed safe after flydubai hijack attempt

The captain on board, Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was allegedly stabbed by the first officer, who was allegedly intending to gain control and crash the aircraft. 

Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar successfully made several distress radio calls and opened the cockpit door for assistance.

Several passengers and cabin crew successfully entered the cockpit to restrain the co-pilot. Two flydubai relief pilots, being repositioned to Tel Aviv to perform onward flights, were on board and were able to retake control of the aircraft. 

Reports suggest the two pilots who took control were from New Zealand and South Africa.

The plane then made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, approximately 85 minutes after the incident began. All passengers and crew were marked as safe and accounted for.

Captain Machchhar was taken to hospital with serious injuries, including multiple stab wounds. The first officer, an Omani citizen, was detained and also treated for injuries sustained in the incident.

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Once medically cleared, both pilots were escorted by Emirati authorities and flown back to Abu Dhabi.

Home Affairs Minister Penny Wong later took to X to confirm that “at least two Australians who were on the Flydubai flight to Israel are safe – thanks to the heroes who thwarted the attack and helped bring the passengers to safety.”

“We’re thinking of those injured and hope for their full recovery,” she said.

The two Australians onboard have been identified as Steven and Carol Moss, of women’s retail store Katie’s fame. Steven’s father, Sam Moss, founded the retailer in 1954.

Upon safe arrival in Tabuk, the aircraft was seen to have sustained damage to its rudder and tail fin, presumed to have been sustained during the rapid descent. A replacement flydubai 737 Max 8 was repositioned to Tabuk to bring the stranded passengers to Tel Aviv, around 9.5 hours behind their scheduled arrival time.

Investigations into the incident have commenced, with participation from authorities across the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Emirati authorities have stated they will examine whether the incident is linked to any “terrorist activity or intent” as they uncover details of the circumstances and motives behind the attack.

Captain Machchhar, who gained his pilot licence in New Zealand, has been praised for his bravery. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X on Thursday to say: “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. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.”