Indian Pilot Injured in Mid-Air Attack Helps Save Passengers on Flydubai Flight

A dramatic incident unfolded aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an Indian captain was attacked inside the cockpit by the flight’s Omani national co-pilot.

Captain Smit Machchhar, a Mumbai native in his mid-30s, was reportedly attacked while the aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers. Despite being injured, the Indian pilot fought back and managed to regain control of the aircraft.

Reports say the situation became critical when the aircraft began losing altitude after the attack. Captain Machchhar then took a crucial step, activating the cockpit door release to let the cabin crew and passengers enter the cockpit and help restrain the attacker.

The crew subsequently managed to stabilise the situation and divert the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The passengers were later assisted following the safe landing.

Captain Machchhar, who is from Ghatkopar in Mumbai, has reportedly been working as a Flydubai captain since 2022. Before joining Flydubai, he spent around 11 years with SpiceJet and has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft.

Reports say he sustained injuries during the confrontation and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. His actions during the incident have drawn widespread attention because he continued trying to control the aircraft despite being injured.

The exact motive behind the co-pilot’s alleged attack remains under investigation. Authorities are examining what happened inside the cockpit and the circumstances that led to the incident.

The episode could have had serious consequences for everyone on board, but the Indian captain’s efforts, along with the intervention of the cabin crew and passengers, helped bring the aircraft under control and enabled it to land safely.