Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar recounted his harrowing experience of regaining control of a flydubai flight after being attacked by his co-pilot. The incident occurred during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, compelling Machchhar to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the 182 passengers on board.
While recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar shared his ordeal during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he was determined to get back on his feet to protect the lives of those on the flight. Amid the chaos, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, which allowed passengers to intervene and restrain the co-pilot as the aircraft underwent a steep descent.
The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Machchhar was seriously injured and required immediate medical attention. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was detained by Saudi authorities, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
During the incident, Machchhar turned to the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu prayer, which he credited as a source of courage while he fought to survive and safeguard the passengers. Machchhar has been with flydubai for approximately four years, bringing over a decade of experience from his time at SpiceJet.