Oct 01, Kathmandu - An Indian-origin pilot was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, according to Indian media reports.

The pilot, identified as Smit Machar, reportedly managed to prevent the aircraft from crashing despite being covered in blood, saving the lives of 180 passengers.

Israeli officials said the co-pilot who allegedly attacked Machar with a knife is an Omani citizen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.

A senior Israeli official praised the pilot’s courage, saying his actions averted a major disaster that could otherwise have resembled the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Before joining Flydubai, Machar worked for SpiceJet for more than 11 years, Indian media reported. He had logged over 9,500 flight hours, including more than 6,400 hours as a captain.