Riyadh / Dubai: An Indian captain demonstrated extraordinary heroism by thwarting a deadly assault inside the cockpit of a flydubai Boeing flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai.
Despite sustaining multiple stab wounds from his co-pilot, Captain Smit Machhar fought fiercely to protect the lives of more than 180 passengers on board.
The critical incident unfolded as the flight was traversing Saudi airspace toward the Israeli border. Inside the cockpit, the co-pilot, an Omani national, reportedly attacked Captain Machhar with a knife in an attempt to hijack the aircraft and force a catastrophic plunge.
As the struggle ensued inside the cockpit, the airliner lost thousands of feet of altitude within moments, triggering emergency distress signals. Despite being critically wounded and bleeding profusely, Captain Machhar managed to fight back and maintain essential control of the aircraft, preventing a devastating crash.
After landing in Israel, the passengers met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where one of the passengers recounted how the stabbed captain managed to open the cockpit door before collapsing.
According to the passenger, the captain, despite being injured, managed to unlock and open the cockpit door before losing consciousness. This gave passengers access to the cockpit, allowing them to confront and subdue the alleged attacker.
Sensing the sudden, steep descent, several Israeli passengers seated in the front rows and cabin crew rushed the cockpit, overpowering the attacker. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers immediately stepped in and assumed control of the aircraft. Meanwhile, an Israeli dentist aboard administered critical first aid to Captain Machhar, stabilizing his condition.
The aircraft made a safe emergency diversion to Tabuk International Airport in Saudi Arabia. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members landed safely. Captain Machhar and the assailant were admitted to a local hospital in Tabuk, where Machhar underwent emergency surgery and is currently in stable condition.
The global aviation community and international media have widely commended Captain Smit Machhar’s quick thinking and selflessness in the face of grave danger, which averted what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
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