UNITED NATIONS — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced grave concern over a harrowing incident aboard a Flydubai flight, praising the swift and courageous actions that averted what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, carrying 174 people—including 27 children—was forced into an emergency landing at Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia on Wednesday following a violent mid-air cockpit altercation. According to officials, the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and plunged the commercial jet nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back and successfully subdued the co-pilot with the help of crew members before the aircraft safely landed.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief expressed immense relief that a major disaster was avoided. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns any act that places at risk civilian lives and the safety of civil aviation," Dujarric stated, adding that Guterres is grateful to all concerned authorities for ensuring passenger safety and launching a comprehensive investigation.
"We will continue to monitor all developments related to this incident," the UN statement added.
Meanwhile, authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed they have opened an active investigation and are closely tracking the case. Captain Machchhar, who received initial treatment at a Tabuk hospital for his stab wounds, has since been transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and recovery. Indian diplomatic officials are maintaining a close watch on his health condition as investigations unfold.
