News for 'Lod'

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing a Flydubai flight from crashing after being stabbed by his co-pilot. His friend, Dr. Jinit Shah, attributes his ability to avert the tragedy to "muscle memory" and his extensive pilot training. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar's immense courage.

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.

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Rediff.com3 days ago

The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

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.

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'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.

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.

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.

Omani flydubai co-pilot to be handed over to UAE after Saudi probe

Omani flydubai co-pilot to be handed over to UAE after Saudi probe

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia will conduct the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, after the Tel Aviv-bound plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Tabuk Airport.

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.

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is hailed as a 'real hero' by a senior Israeli official for his bravery during a mid-air 'terror act' on a Flydubai flight, preventing a 'bigger tragedy' after being attacked by his co-pilot with a knife.

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.

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

An Omani citizen, Hamam al-Hammami, has been identified as the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to take control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which the UAE has now confirmed as a 'terrorist act'.

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.

'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.

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.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Iran fires 'swarm of drones' at US-Israeli positions

Iran fires 'swarm of drones' at US-Israeli positions

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Earlier, another state media outlet showed a display of part of the IRGC's drone arsenal inside a large tunnel. Coinciding with the release of these visuals, the IRGC confirmed the launch of the 48th phase of its retaliatory campaign.

Suicide drone, missile strike hit radar and helipad at US embassy Baghdad

Suicide drone, missile strike hit radar and helipad at US embassy Baghdad

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

In a further escalation of the assault on the heavily fortified site, a missile strike also reportedly targeted the "helipad" at the embassy, as documented by Al Jazeera.

US Vice President Vance defends wife Usha against ethnic slurs

US Vice President Vance defends wife Usha against ethnic slurs

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

US Vice President JD Vance has strongly criticized commentators for making derogatory remarks about his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, following racist comments from a right-wing podcaster.

My wife not Christian, has no plans to convert: Vance

My wife not Christian, has no plans to convert: Vance

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Amid criticism over comments about his interfaith marriage, Vice President J D Vance said on Friday that his wife Second Lady Usha Vance has no plans to convert to Christianity but added that he hoped 'she may one day see things as I do'.

WC Qualifiers: Aus seal spot; Uruguay close in

WC Qualifiers: Aus seal spot; Uruguay close in

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Saudi Arabia took third place in Group C and will feature in a fourth phase of qualifiers in October alongside Indonesia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Oman.

Russian invasion forced over 500K people to flee Ukraine: UN

Russian invasion forced over 500K people to flee Ukraine: UN

Rediff.com1 Mar 2022

More than 5,00,000 people have left Ukraine since the start of Russia's military operation and about 1,60,000 have become internally displaced, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths told the UN Security Council on Monday.

Why Is This Famous Israeli Commando At The Taj?

Why Is This Famous Israeli Commando At The Taj?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

Ehud Barak was once the man most feared by terrorists in the Arab world.

Operation Ajay: 230 Indians to fly out of Israel today; no fares charged

Operation Ajay: 230 Indians to fly out of Israel today; no fares charged

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

Those who are returning will not be paying any fare and the government is bearing the cost of their return.

32 killed, 200 injured as Israel-Palestine conflict escalates

32 killed, 200 injured as Israel-Palestine conflict escalates

Rediff.com12 May 2021

Over 630 rockets were fired at Israel from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon, 200 of which were intercepted by Iron Dome missile defence batteries while 150 others fell short of their targets and landed inside the Strip, according to the army.

Mizo Jews Go Home... To Israel

Mizo Jews Go Home... To Israel

Rediff.com18 Oct 2021

Calling themselves 'Bnei Menashe', they claim descent from the tribe of Manaseh, one of 10 tribes exiled from the land of Israel by the Assyrians over 2,700 years ago.

Remembering The Munich Massacre

Remembering The Munich Massacre

Rediff.com2 Sep 2022

Monday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 6, will mark 50 years after 11 members of Israel's Olympic team were killed in what is known as the Munich massacre in history.

SC notice to Centre, Odisha on coal allocation in 2003

SC notice to Centre, Odisha on coal allocation in 2003

Rediff.com15 Oct 2012

The Supreme Court Monday sought the stands of the Centre and the Odisha government on allegations that authorities had indulged in corruption in giving a coal block, allocated to the state mining corporation in 2003, to a private firm.

Govt may run out of bankers for NBCC issue

Govt may run out of bankers for NBCC issue

Rediff.com24 May 2011

Most of the top investment banks will be rendered ineligible to manage the coming initial public offering (IPO) of National Building Construction Corp Ltd (NBCC) if the new rules for appointment of advisors are implemented.

BJP leader killed in Bihar

BJP leader killed in Bihar

Rediff.com18 Oct 2010

Sonelal Gupta, a BJP leader was shot dead in Raxaul in Bihar's East Champaran district when he was returning to his residence. Gupta was a close associate of local BJP MLA Sanjay Singh.

Renuka Chowdhury barges into CEC's house

Renuka Chowdhury barges into CEC's house

Rediff.com30 Jan 2009

After battling with a day-long embarrassment of unending phone calls on Wednesday over Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi hinting in London about the Lok Sabha polls being held April 8 and May 15, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami was stunned to find a Union minister barge into his house in the evening, without any appointment, to enquire about the election dates.

BJP is preparing for a walkout: Experts

BJP is preparing for a walkout: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jul 2008

The Lok Sabha was brought to an abrupt halt on Tuesday afternoon when some Bharatiya Janata Party Members of Parliament waved bundles of currency, claiming the Samajwadi Party had tried to bribe them to vote in favour of the United Progressive Alliance government.A political observer, who did not wish to be named, said, "Why do I get the feeling that the BJP is preparing for a walkout. By walking out, the government will sail through the trust vote.

Hyd police distance themselves from Hasan Ali

Hyd police distance themselves from Hasan Ali

Rediff.com13 Mar 2007

They claim that all the seven criminal cases pertaining to him have been disposed of by the courts.

Air India makes history, lands in Israel using Saudi airspace

Air India makes history, lands in Israel using Saudi airspace

Rediff.com23 Mar 2018

The flight will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. While the inaugural flight AI 139 left at 6 pm (Indian time) on Thursday, the scheduled departure will be 4.50 pm (Indian time) from March 25 when the summer schedule comes into operation.

At least 14 dead in Arunachal landslide

At least 14 dead in Arunachal landslide

Rediff.com22 Apr 2016

The incident occurred at 3 am when 17 labourers engaged in construction works were inside the camp.

2 dead in fresh landslides in Arunachal, toll rises to 19

2 dead in fresh landslides in Arunachal, toll rises to 19

Rediff.com23 Apr 2016

The district administration has pressed men and machinery for relief and rescue operations, he said.

PICS: Ramos 'Panenka' gives Spain winning start

PICS: Ramos 'Panenka' gives Spain winning start

Rediff.com24 Mar 2019

A summary of Saturday night's matches in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.