‘I was fighting for my life': Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls FlyDubai cockpit attack

An Indian airline captain, Smit Machchhar from Mumbai, described to Prime Minister Narendra Modi how he fought for his life after a co-pilot stabbed him and the Boeing 737 began a steep descent on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining injuries and being knocked to the cabin floor, Machchhar said he regained his footing, opened the cockpit door, and helped passengers restrain the attacker as the crew diverted the aircraft to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing. The flight carried 182 people, and FlyDubai said the on-duty crew secured and landed the jet safely. The attacker, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia; motive remained unclear. World leaders praised Machchhar, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noting his actions. Modi told Machchhar his courage, patience, and presence of mind saved many lives. Machchhar, who is married with two children, is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital. He has about 17 years of flying experience and has served as a captain for 11 years. He joined FlyDubai about four years ago after 11 years with SpiceJet, during which he logged more than 9,750 flying hours. Training can prepare for incapacitated crew, but experts noted that stabbing by a colleague is not typically covered by standard training.