For the first time since the incident, Indian Captain Smit Machchhar has described the harrowing moments when his Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft in an attack labeled as terrorism by UAE and Israeli authorities.
Machchhar, currently recovering from serious injuries in an Abu Dhabi hospital, spoke via video link with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I had so many wounds. I had fallen down,” Machchhar recounted. “I was fighting for my life. At one point, I realized that if I didn’t get up … then passengers would lose their lives.” After sustaining severe stab wounds, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing other passengers to enter and restrain the suspect. A deadheading pilot who was on board then assumed control of the plane.
The flight, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with approximately 180 passengers on board, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The majority of those on the aircraft were Israeli nationals.
Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, publicly praised Machchhar, stating that the captain deserved “the highest recognition for embodying courage and responsibility in the face of a terrorist act and an imminent catastrophe.” Gargash referred to the commander as a “true hero.” Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Modi also commended the pilot’s actions during their virtual conversation.
The suspected attacker, identified as an Omani national, was arrested upon the plane’s arrival in Saudi Arabia. While the specific motive remains under investigation, Israeli officials have characterized the event as an attempted Islamist attack. A senior UAE official officially classified the incident as a terrorist act on Friday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation, stating, “Whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price.” Reports indicate that Israeli officials are expected to examine the co-pilot, who is currently held in the UAE, to determine if he was instructed by others. A source told Reuters that the UAE is responsible for the primary investigation, which is making progress.
Following the attack, Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith announced that the airline would conduct a comprehensive internal review. “It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts,” Al Ghaith said in a statement. The carrier confirmed it would suspend all flights to Tel Aviv until at least October 15. The suspension has left many Israelis stranded in the UAE, though Israeli airlines have received approval to begin repatriating citizens back to Israel.
The investigation into potential handlers is crucial. An Omani national attacking on a UAE carrier suggests something bigger than a lone actor.
Flights to Tel Aviv suspended until mid-October? That’s a massive disruption. I wonder if this is a permanent policy shift for Flydubai.
I didn’t realize the flight was mostly Israeli nationals. It’s terrifying how quickly things can turn violent on a plane.
Captain Machchhar is an absolute hero. His quick thinking saved nearly two hundred lives under impossible circumstances.