The captain of a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv recounted his harrowing experience after being stabbed by his co-pilot during a suspected hijacking attempt that caused the aircraft to plunge nearly 14,000 feet before safely landing in Saudi Arabia. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national from Mumbai, described his efforts from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, where he is recovering from serious injuries sustained during the attack.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a Boeing 737 carrying 174 passengers and crew. According to reports, the co-pilot, an Omani national, suddenly attacked Captain Machchhar in the cockpit, stabbing him multiple times and attempting to crash the plane in what Israeli authorities characterized as a possible terror attack reminiscent of 9/11. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia and is undergoing interrogation, with the motive still unclear. Israeli officials suggested the co-pilot might have been radicalized.
Despite severe injuries including deep cuts to his arm, neck, and head, Captain Machchhar managed to summon enough strength to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to storm the flight deck and subdue the attacker. During the plane’s steep descent from 34,000 feet to approximately 15,000 feet, passengers with flying experience assisted in stabilizing and ultimately landing the aircraft in Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia. FlyDubai confirmed that on-duty crew members, reported to be pilots in training, diverted and landed the jet safely.
In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar described how his extensive flying experience and composure helped him sense the plane’s rapid descent even while injured on the cockpit floor. “I was fighting for my life,” he said, adding that a devotional hymn inspired him during the ordeal. Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, telling him that his “presence of mind saved many lives” and affirmed the country’s support.
Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes within the cabin during the attack. Passengers reported hearing shouting and screams as the co-pilot stabbed the captain. One passenger, Tali Manes, said her husband Zvika rushed into the cockpit after their daughters pleaded in fear during the nosedive. A dentist onboard, Dr. Shota Musayev, helped restrain the attacker and provide first aid to the bleeding captain, emphasizing the urgency that saved Machchhar’s life.
Machchhar has over 17 years of flying experience, serving as a captain for more than a decade, and has been with FlyDubai for about four years. Aviation experts noted that while pilots receive extensive training for emergencies, few are prepared for violent attacks from colleagues.
World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, praised Machchhar’s heroism. The investigation into the motives behind the co-pilot’s actions continues as authorities review the circumstances of the attack.