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A relief pilot reported to be South African is being hailed a hero after helping save a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX from the UAE to Israel. He and another pilot took control after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed captain Smit Machchhar in an apparent bid to crash the plane. The aircraft plunged from 34 000 to 15 000 feet within minutes as passengers and crew overpowered the attacker. The flight diverted to Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Airport and landed safely. The UAE is investigating a possible terrorist link.

In health legislation, South African smokers could face jail time for lighting up in cars with children or non-smokers present. Parliament is working through the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which also bans smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces and public transport. Offenders face a fine, a criminal conviction, or up to six months in prison. It covers cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with no enactment date yet set.

And in Cape Town, Airbnb hosts could pay more than double in property rates under a proposed City by-law. Properties listed on booking platforms for more than half the year would be reclassified as commercial, matching hotel and guesthouse rates. For a R3 million property, one expert estimates rates could jump from about R21,000 to roughly R51,000 a year. Public comment closes on 5 October, with commercial rates expected to take effect from 1 July 2027.

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