Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Machchhar with saving all 174 people aboard, including Israelis and other nationals. Despite serious injuries, the Indian captain fought back and opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker, Netanyahu said. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, and the passengers later reached Israel on a replacement flight.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as an “attempted terrorist attack” against Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords. Flydubai said the reasons and motives remain unknown while authorities investigate. The UAE is working with Israel to prevent a diplomatic crisis that could halt flights between the countries, Kan News reported, citing a source familiar with their flight arrangements.