Injured Flydubai Captain Recounts Ordeal, Praised by Indian PM

Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured in an attack by his co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Israel, has appeared in hospital footage for the first time since the incident. Machchhar, an Indian national, spoke from his hospital bed in the UAE with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi expressed that prayers were being offered for Machchhar's recovery across India and lauded his bravery and quick decisions, stating that the captain saved many lives.

Machchhar described his struggle to act despite severe injuries, telling Modi, "I had so many injuries, but I told myself I had to get up and act." He explained that he pushed himself to open the cockpit door, acknowledging that others assisted after he managed to do so. He emphasized that the rescue was a collective effort. Machchhar also shared his faith, mentioning his morning prayers and how he views his survival as divinely guided.

Israeli passengers corroborated the account, describing how they heard shouts and felt the plane lurch and dive. Yeniv Hayoun, one of the first to reach the cockpit, recounted seeing the bleeding captain near the door and a struggle with the co-pilot. Hayoun and other passengers subdued the attacker, and Hayoun briefly took control of the aircraft until a crew member could manage the flight. Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist among the passengers, provided initial medical aid to Machchhar for severe head and hand bleeding.

Following an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was hospitalized locally before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. An initial Saudi Interior Ministry report stated the captain was attacked by his assistant, with both sustaining injuries, but did not mention the flight's destination or the nationality of most passengers. An UAE official told i24NEWS that the Omani co-pilot's belongings included "Free Palestine" and pro-Palestinian materials, and that the co-pilot had previously expressed anti-Israel sentiments.