Flydubai flight carrying 174 people narrowly escaped disaster after an alleged mid-air attack inside the cockpit was stopped by a wounded Indian pilot and courageous passengers.
The aircraft, travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, suddenly lost altitude after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar and tried to crash the plane.
Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar reportedly fought back, opened the cockpit door and alerted the cabin crew, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the suspect.
One of the passengers, Yaniv Hayun, later said he helped restrain the attacker before briefly assisting to steady the aircraft until the captain regained control.
Speaking after the incident, Hayun explained how he reacted, saying: “I watch Air Crash Investigation, Mr Prime Minister.”
He added: “And the plane started to level out, a bit more, and then the pilot told me he was taking control from there.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the captain, saying: “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero.”
Israel’s Deputy Minister Almog Cohen also hailed the pilot, saying: “The State of Israel’s hero of the day is the Indian pilot, Capt. Smit Machchhar, whose remarkable resourcefulness enabled him to unlock the cockpit door and allow the Israeli lions to sink their teeth into the cowardly hyena who nearly killed 200 innocent people!”
The Indian Embassy confirmed that Captain Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and is in a stable condition. In a statement, the embassy said it was in touch with his family and would continue to work with Saudi authorities to support his recovery.
The incident has drawn international praise for the courage, teamwork and quick thinking of the pilot, crew and passengers, whose actions prevented what could have become one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
Oh my God 😲