Flydubai Captain Recounts Daring Act to Thwart Co-Pilot's Attack

The captain of a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, who was attacked by his co-pilot, has spoken for the first time since the incident. Captain Smith Méharch told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he managed to open the cockpit door while on the floor and being attacked by the other pilot. Méharch sustained multiple stab wounds and was hospitalized in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the plane made an emergency landing there. Modi praised Méharch's actions in a televised conversation, calling him a hero who saved all passengers. Méharch expressed his gratitude to Modi, stating, "You are my greatest hero." He recounted his struggle, saying, "I was badly injured but told myself I had to get up and act. I told myself I had to push the cockpit door." The co-pilot, an Omani citizen, attacked Méharch while the plane was over Saudi airspace. Authorities believe the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft, which was carrying 180 passengers. Méharch fought back, and despite his injuries, succeeded in opening the cockpit door, allowing other crew members to enter and subdue the attacker. Two additional pilots took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk. "The whole of India is praying for you. Your courage, composure, and judgment saved many lives," Modi told Méharch, adding, "Our country can proudly say that Indians are not those who try to kill, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others." Méharch's parents, from Mumbai, were flown to Saudi Arabia to be with their son. The 39-year-old captain joined Flydubai in 2022, having previously worked for India's SpiceJet for over a decade.