FlyDubai Captain Recounts Daring Cockpit Struggle After Co-Pilot Attack

The captain of a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has given his first public account of the attack he suffered in the cockpit. Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot hospitalized in the United Arab Emirates, spoke emotionally with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a filmed exchange. According to initial Saudi investigation findings, Machchhar was repeatedly stabbed by his co-pilot. He described falling to the floor and fighting for his life, managing to reach the cockpit door and open it despite his severe injuries. This action allowed passengers and crew to intervene, subdue the attacker, and regain control of the aircraft. Machchhar emphasized the crucial role of those who rushed to his aid, refusing to take sole credit for saving the flight. Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar's courage and quick thinking under duress, assuring him of India's pride and prayers for his recovery. The pilot also shared his reliance on faith during the ordeal, mentioning his daily prayers with his two-year-old son and how he repeated them during the incident. He spoke of his commitment to passing on Indian culture and traditions to his children while living abroad. Israeli passengers also recounted their involvement in subduing the co-pilot. Yaniv Hayoun, one of the first to reach the cockpit door, found Machchhar bleeding heavily and described the co-pilot positioned between the pilot seats. Hayoun, with a crew member and other passengers, managed to grab the attacker and remove him from the cockpit. He briefly took control of the plane when it remained tilted before a crew member resumed command. Dentist Shota Musayev, another passenger, provided first aid to the captain, stopping significant bleeding and stabilizing him before the emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar initially received care at a local hospital before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment after his condition improved. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the Indian ambassador to the UAE visited him. The pilot is now reported to be in good health. Saudi authorities confirmed the co-pilot attacked the captain, resulting in injuries to both men, and are investigating the attacker's motives.