Omani hijacker who stabbed Flydubai captain is 'religious extremist who refused to shake hands with women'

Two off-duty pilots, including a Briton, were able to stabilise the plane after it plunged over 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds.

An anonymous colleague of the alleged attacker described the Omani national to Israeli broadcaster Channel 16.

News anchor Yosef Yisrael said the source detailed how the pilot "was someone characterised by very strange behaviour, especially around religious observances that were out of step with his surroundings".

He added: "For instance, he used to pray a lot, and would not shake hands with women."

The source also claimed that usually only Emiratis fly to Israel - and accused the airline of betraying his country.

"There is no other way to put it, we hired the services of a terrorist and nearly caused the deaths of 180 people," the source said.

The attacker allegedly 'would not shake hands with women' and had 'very strange behaviour'

REUTERS

Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News the violent pilot was now being investigated in Saudi Arabia, but said it was too early to determine who was behind the attack, downplaying possible Iranian links.

"I think he'll be taken to the Emirates, where he comes from, or at least where he left, where he flew off from, and we'll be following and possibly also participating in this investigation," he said.

On Wednesday morning, Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted as it transmitted squawk code 7700, the international signal for a general emergency, before briefly issuing code 7500, for unlawful interference or hijacking.

Mr Machchhar, an Indian national, and Israeli Mr Hayun have now been praised as "heroes" for their actions to prevent the deaths of the 174 passengers on board the flight.

Yaniv Hayun (white shirt) subdued the attacker in a chokehold, averting disaster

REUTERS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was proud of the pilot, who hails from Mumbai.

In a statement, he said: "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."

Mr Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia and his family has been contacted, India's embassy in Riyadh said in a statement.

Pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed, has been praised by both Benjamin Netanyahu and Narendra Modi for his actions

REUTERS

Israel's Prime Minister thanked him for "extraordinary bravery" and for saving the lives of Israeli nationals.

Mr Netanyahu told Mr Hayun that he deserved "a global medal of honour" as he praised him as a "lion" and "hero" in a meeting.

Mr Hayun said he put the attacker in a "chokehold", removing him from the cockpit.

When asked how he knew what to do, he said: "I watch Air Crash Investigation, Mr Prime Minister."