Stabbed Flydubai Pilot Tells Modi: I Wanted to Save Lives

What happened on the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv?

A Flydubai aircraft with 174 people on board became the scene of a violent cockpit attack on Wednesday, when the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the plane and stabbed the captain. The flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, but was forced to divert to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia after the crew sent an emergency signal. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled and the airspace over Israel was briefly closed as a precaution. The captain, Smit Machchhar, has now spoken publicly for the first time about the incident. The Flydubai cockpit attack raised urgent questions about aviation security and crew screening.

Captain Machchhar's first account: 'I wanted to save lives'

In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was later posted on YouTube, Machchhar described his determination to prevent loss of life. I lay wounded on the ground, but I told myself I had to make one last attempt to open the door from the inside, he told Modi. I wanted to save lives. The pilot added that his 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as captain, helped him stay focused: Even with my eyes closed, I know exactly what is happening with the aircraft.

How passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot

When Machchhar finally managed to open the cockpit door from inside, passengers and crew members rushed in and subdued the attacker. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers then took control of the aircraft and flew it safely to Tabuk. Machchhar was later transferred to Abu Dhabi, where he is reportedly in stable condition.

Timeline of the emergency

• Wednesday: Co-pilot attacks captain during Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
• Cockpit breach: Captain opens door despite stab wounds; passengers and crew overpower attacker.
• Emergency signal: Crew alerts air traffic control; Israeli jets scramble.
• Diversion: Flight lands safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 people on board.

The incident recalls other aviation security breaches that have prompted calls for stricter cockpit access protocols.

International reaction: Modi and Netanyahu praise the hero pilot

Prime Minister Modi praised his compatriot's courage, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Machchhar a true hero. Netanyahu said the co-pilot was a radicalized Muslim who had been indoctrinated with Islamist ideology and was suicidal. However, he cautioned that it was too early to conclude Iran was involved, despite suggestions by former US President Donald Trump. The attack has intensified scrutiny of radicalization among airline crew and the need for enhanced background checks.

Aftermath: stranded passengers and flight suspension

All commercial flights between the UAE and Israel were suspended on the orders of the UAE following the incident, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded. Israel has since arranged to pick up stranded Flydubai passengers from the UAE. The disruption highlights the delicate aviation links between the two countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv?

The co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the aircraft and stabbed the captain. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker after the captain opened the cockpit door, and the flight diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Who is Smit Machchhar?

Smit Machchhar is the Indian captain of the Flydubai flight. He has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as a captain. He spoke with Indian PM Modi and said he was determined to save lives.

How many people were on board the Flydubai flight?

There were 174 people on board. All survived the incident.

Why were flights between the UAE and Israel suspended?

The UAE ordered the suspension of all commercial flights between the two countries following the incident, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

Was Iran involved in the attack?

Israeli PM Netanyahu said it is too early to conclude Iran was involved, despite suggestions by Donald Trump.