- Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers praised after cockpit attack forces emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
Dubai/Tel Aviv: A potentially catastrophic incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was averted after the Indian captain, passengers and fellow crew members acted quickly when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot and the aircraft entered a steep descent.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was carrying more than 170 people when the incident occurred on September 30. According to reports, the co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently lost thousands of feet in a rapid descent. Despite suffering serious stab wounds, Machchhar managed to resist the attack and open the cockpit door.
This allowed passengers and other crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. Among those who intervened were Israeli passengers, including plumber Yaniv Hayoun and dentist Dr. Shota Musaev, who helped subdue the attacker and provide medical assistance to the injured captain. Off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped stabilise the plane. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.
All passengers survived the incident, while the injured pilots received medical treatment. Captain Machchhar has since been widely praised for his actions during the emergency. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly commended his courage, while the passengers who intervened have also received widespread recognition.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Israel are investigating the incident, including the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack. Officials have cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing, while Flydubai has urged against premature conclusions.
