Netanyahu credits plumber for averting plane disaster

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that an Israeli plumber helped avert disaster after a fight broke out in the cockpit of a jetliner taking 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

"An amazing act of heroism - of his, of the Indian pilot, of the people who helped them. They stopped a disaster that could have been global," Mr Netanyahu told Fox News broadcaster Sean Hannity.

Mr Netanyahu described a dramatic mid-flight struggle to control the flydubai plane after it plummeted over 5,000 meters in the span of a minute, according to the Flightradar24 website.

It's unknown why the pilot - identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar - was attacked by his co-pilot during the flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The struggle began when the co-pilot stabbed the pilot and sent the jet plunging. Mr Machchhar was covered with blood on the floor when he managed to click the release to open the cockpit door, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Mr Netanyahu said he was told the plumber "managed to enter the cockpit, he saw the attacker" and "grabbed him from behind, pulled him back, got into the pilot's seat, pulled the stick back", while others on the plane subdued the attacker.

"He had to save them and he acted with coolness of judgment and heroism," the Israeli leader added.

A ⁠second pair of flydubai pilots were onboard to land the jet in Tabuk.

Mr Netanyahu said the motive behind the incident was unclear and officials are investigating if the drama was related to Iran or some other actor.

In a statement, flydubai warned against "premature speculation". It also suspended flights to and from Israel amid an investigation.

'Immense courage'

Meanwhile, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Mr Machchhar as a hero.

"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO," Mr Modi said in a statement posted on social media.

"In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.

"His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," Mr Modi added.