FlyDubai Captain Recounts Harrowing Mid-Air Attack

The captain of a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Smith Machchhar, has given his first detailed interviews about an attack by his co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft on September 30. Speaking to The National and Sky News Arabia from a military hospital in Abu Dhabi, where he is being treated for severe head, neck, and arm injuries, Machchhar described the events in the cockpit, including blackouts, a drastic reduction in engine thrust, and attempts to open the cockpit door.

Machchhar, who met al-Hammami, an Omani citizen, for the first time just before the flight, stated that nothing about his co-pilot's behavior raised suspicion. Approximately two hours into the flight, after al-Hammami had briefly left the cockpit, he returned and asked the captain to allow him to pray. While Machchhar was focused on flight data, al-Hammami attacked him from behind, striking him on the back of the head with what is believed to have been an emergency axe. The captain sustained further injuries while defending himself and trying to open the cockpit door to call for help.

During the struggle, Machchhar managed to open the door, but it was later closed. He recalls the aircraft making a sharp descent, with engine thrust significantly reduced, losing approximately 17,000 feet in under a minute. Despite severe injuries and blood loss, Machchhar attempted to reach the door again. He remembers being outside the cockpit, hearing shouts, and seeing others rush in to subdue al-Hammami.

Passengers, including Israelis Yaniv Hayun, Tsvika Manes, and Assaf Radzuan, intervened and managed to overpower al-Hammami. Two other FlyDubai pilots on board took control of the aircraft, with one eventually landing the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. An Israeli dentist, Shota Musaev, provided crucial first aid to Machchhar, stemming the severe bleeding from his head and arm for about 45 minutes.

Machchhar, who lives in the UAE with his family, is undergoing extensive medical and psychological treatment. He expressed confusion over al-Hammami's motives, as the attack occurred more than an hour before reaching Israel. He believes the incident may lead to changes in aviation security protocols. Machchhar remains grateful for the medical care he received and hopes to return to flying after his recovery, stating, "No, not at all. I am just glad I was able to do what I could."