Story perspectives

Omani attacker stabs cockpit crew; 737 MAX lands safely

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:25 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the 737 MAX 8 to drop 14,000 feet in under a minute.
Captain Smit Machchhar and two off-duty pilots regained control while passengers restrained the Omani attacker.
The plane diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, landing safely at 9:45 GMT with all aboard unharmed.
Israeli officials called the attack jihadist terrorism and UAE prosecutors opened a terrorism-intent investigation.

History

Historical Context

In 1976, the Entebbe hijacking of Air France Flight 139 dramatically ended with an Israeli rescue operation that freed hostages. The raid, ordered by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, sent 100 commandos to Entebbe Airport, freeing 102 hostages and costing four Israeli soldiers under Idi Amin. Similarly, the 2024 Tabuk incident saw Israeli pilot Benjamin Netanyahu’s co-pilot attack a 737 MAX 8, passengers subduing the Omani assailant while the aircraft safely landed. Both events underscore Israel’s emphasis on rapid in-flight response and have prompted stricter international aviation security protocols worldwide for future flights.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a co-pilot stabbed the captain, causing the 737 MAX 8 to drop 14,000 feet in under a minute.
Captain Smit Machchhar and two off-duty pilots regained control while passengers restrained the Omani attacker.
The plane diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, landing safely at 9:45 GMT with all aboard unharmed.
Israeli officials called the attack jihadist terrorism and UAE prosecutors opened a terrorism-intent investigation.

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