News for '-saudi'

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.

Don't WhatsApp me: Omar to MLAs ahead of cabinet rejig

Don't WhatsApp me: Omar to MLAs ahead of cabinet rejig

Rediff.com8 hours ago

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a cabinet expansion and reshuffle for early next week, urging party members not to lobby for positions as the list is finalised. He also discussed various issues with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, including the LG's health, the National Dental Commission Act, and the plight of Kashmiri pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations and high airfares. Abdullah also declined to comment on LAC patrolling, stating it's outside J&K's purview post-Ladakh's separation.

Indian airlines cancel Riyadh flights amid airport attacks

Indian airlines cancel Riyadh flights amid airport attacks

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Air India Express, Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo have cancelled flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following reported attacks by Houthi militants on Riyadh and Abha airports, with cancellations extended until at least October 9-10.

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

India's anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has registered a case to investigate a mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, inside the cockpit of an Israel-bound flydubai flight, citing an "apparent attempt to hijack or cause it to crash."

OpenAI employee arrested for planting recording device at office

OpenAI employee arrested for planting recording device at office

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

OpenAI discovered a sophisticated recording device in its office, using its AI models to identify an employee, Abdulrahman Alfozan, who had planted it. The FBI has since arrested the Saudi national, and OpenAI has terminated his employment, stating there's no indication of data exfiltration.

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pak, Saudi, Turkiye sign joint defence pact

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pak, Saudi, Turkiye sign joint defence pact

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on Friday signed a key joint defence agreement under which an attack against one of them will be treated as an attack against all of them, amid increasing security concerns in the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia.

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

AFC Champions League: Al-Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Security Alert Delays Kick-Off

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal in their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite, a match that was delayed by an hour due to a security warning in Riyadh.

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact could reduce US role in West Asia: Experts

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia have signed a trilateral defence pact, agreeing to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Analysts suggest this alliance could significantly diminish the United States' strategic influence in West Asia and elevate Pakistan's geopolitical standing, potentially acting as a deterrent in regional conflicts.

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

Rediff.com7 days ago

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar bravely recounts his terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a flydubai flight last month, detailing how his quick thinking and survival instinct thwarted a co-pilot's planned suicide attack and saved over 170 lives.

Ronaldo faces fresh criticism as Ten Hag questions his fitness and commitment at United

Ronaldo faces fresh criticism as Ten Hag questions his fitness and commitment at United

Rediff.com4 days ago

Erik ten Hag blamed Cristiano Ronaldo's poor fitness and preparation for his Manchester United struggles, saying the superstar let the team down before their acrimonious split in November 2022.

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

UAE begins probe into Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight diversion

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The UAE has initiated an investigation into a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was forced to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. An Indian pilot was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight, leading to an emergency landing. Authorities are examining all circumstances, including potential links to terrorist activity, asserting UAE jurisdiction over the UAE-registered aircraft.

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Israel was ready to 'shoot down' Flydubai plane, but...

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A news report details how Israel scrambled fighter jets and stood ready to shoot down a Flydubai plane after a co-pilot's cockpit stabbing attempt led to a rapid descent and fears of a hijacking en route to Tel Aviv.

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that evidence suggests a flydubai pilot attempted to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight, but was stopped by an Israeli passenger and a crew member.

Anirban Lahiri Eyes First Title Since 2015 At Hong Kong Open

Anirban Lahiri Eyes First Title Since 2015 At Hong Kong Open

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri has carded a five-under 66 to share the third-round lead at the Link Hong Kong Open. He is now in contention for his first worldwide title since 2015, joining three other golfers at 14-under ahead of Sunday's final round.

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

'We closely follow health condition of Captain Smit Machchhar': MEA

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

India is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who bravely saved a flydubai flight despite being stabbed by his co-pilot. Machchhar, initially treated in Saudi Arabia, has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, with Indian diplomatic missions providing full support.

Netanyahu invites Modi to join Machchhar for Israel's I-Day

Netanyahu invites Modi to join Machchhar for Israel's I-Day

Rediff.com2 days ago

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Flydubai incident: What happened inside the cockpit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

An Indian captain on a Flydubai flight heroically prevented a co-pilot from crashing the plane en route to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, allegedly radicalized, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, who managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty aviators to subdue the assailant and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Investigations are ongoing, with Israeli and UAE authorities involved.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

AFC pledges 'full commitment' to Infantino's re-election as FIFA president

AFC pledges 'full commitment' to Infantino's re-election as FIFA president

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced its full support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, despite previous disagreements over his commercial rights plan. AFC head Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa stated the region's commitment to Infantino's leadership, who is seeking a fourth term until 2031.

Sandeep Sets World Record, India Bags Multiple Medals At Asian Para Games

Sandeep Sets World Record, India Bags Multiple Medals At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's Sandeep won a gold medal in the men's 400m T64 final at the Asian Para Games, setting a new world record. Compatriot Ajay Kumar secured a bronze in the same event. Additionally, Nimisha Chakkungalparambil and Parmod Bijarnia each claimed silver medals in women's long jump T47 and men's 1500m T46, respectively, contributing to India's strong performance.

India hit 100 medals as Sandeep, Haney smash World records

India hit 100 medals as Sandeep, Haney smash World records

Rediff.com1 days ago

Indian para-athletes Sandeep and Haney delivered stellar performances at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, securing gold medals and setting new world records in the men's 400m T64 and men's javelin throw F37/38 events respectively. Their achievements, alongside silver medals for Nimisha Chakkungalparambil and Parmod Bijarnia, propelled India's total medal tally to 100 in the ongoing Games.

Indian Bonds See Worst Losing Streak in 30 Years as Crude, US Yields Remain Elevated

Indian Bonds See Worst Losing Streak in 30 Years as Crude, US Yields Remain Elevated

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Indian government bond yields have recorded their worst losing streak in three decades, rising for the tenth consecutive week, driven by elevated crude oil prices and increasing global yields. The rupee also weakened, and India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant decline.

'Co-pilot who stabbed Capt Machchhar underwent Islamist indoctrination'

'Co-pilot who stabbed Capt Machchhar underwent Islamist indoctrination'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that the co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on board the flydubai flight on Wednesday had underwent radical Islamist indoctrination.

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli envoy Reuven Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai plane en route to Tel Aviv. Azar detailed Israel's immediate response, including scrambling fighter jets, and highlighted the combined efforts of the captain, Israeli passengers, and crew in ensuring a safe landing in Saudi Arabia, saving nearly 180 lives.

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai have been arrested in the UAE in connection with an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to hijack and crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The incident, which injured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, is being investigated by UAE authorities and India's NIA, with the accused co-pilot suspected of extremist ideologies.

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

India sounds alarm over security, navigation risks amid Red Sea tensions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

India has once again raised alarms over the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and strongly condemned Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabian territory, "including on civilians and economic assets."

Toor wins third Asian Games medal with shot put silver

Toor wins third Asian Games medal with shot put silver

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Indian shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured a silver medal at the Asian Games, marking his third medal at the continental event. He achieved a throw of 20.64m, while Iran's Mohammadreza Tayebise won gold with a new Games record of 20.81m, breaking Toor's previous record.

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero by Israeli leaders for his extraordinary bravery in thwarting an alleged mid-air attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophic disaster. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, safely landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar is recovering.

Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit crash axe

Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit crash axe

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami 'attempted a terrorist act' on flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv, attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to seize control.

Stabbed pilot Capt Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced treatment

Stabbed pilot Capt Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced treatment

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot operating flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, is being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical care after suffering stab wounds during a violent mid-air cockpit attack by his co-pilot.

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has stated his personal belief that Iran was responsible for the attempted mid-air hijacking and crash of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, where an Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm The Best Footballer in History, But My Goals Aren't Valued

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm The Best Footballer in History, But My Goals Aren't Valued

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo says his goalscoring record is not valued enough as the Al Nassr star closes in on 1,000 career goals, with 981 for club and country.

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero for thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight, saving 174 lives. Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, resisted the attacker and helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Flydubai attacker appears to be 'lone wolf': Reports

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

An investigation is underway into a flydubai co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar in an attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight. The incident, which saw the plane plummet thousands of feet before the captain regained control, is being treated as a lone-wolf terrorist act, with probes by UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

Asian Games: China Leads Medal Count, India Secures Fourth Spot

Asian Games: China Leads Medal Count, India Secures Fourth Spot

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The article presents the medal tally after Day 14 of the Asian Games, showing China's significant lead, followed by Japan and South Korea. India is positioned fourth with a total of 85 medals.

US pauses Russia sanctions, India tariffs for 60 days

US pauses Russia sanctions, India tariffs for 60 days

Rediff.com6 days ago

The US announced a 60-day pause on sanctions against Russia and tariffs on other countries, including India, to analyse the global economic impact. This decision, made via an executive order by Trump, has drawn significant criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who had previously passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. US officials stated the waiver allows for assessment of global energy pressures and European allies' refusal to impose secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers.

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

'Capt Machchhar told me, I don't want to die here'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A FlyDubai flight captain was stabbed by his co-pilot in a suspected terror attack, leading to a desperate fight for survival that was heroically thwarted by an Israeli dentist and other passengers, averting a major mid-air disaster.