Overview
- A co-pilot allegedly stabbed flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar mid-flight on the Dubai–Tel Aviv service before the captain resisted the attack.
- Despite serious injuries, Machchhar forced open the cockpit door so passengers could rush in and overpower the attacker, preventing the aircraft from going down.
- The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the captain underwent surgery and was later airlifted to a UAE hospital for advanced care.
- Machchhar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he chanted the Hanuman Chalisa during the assault and has publicly thanked Saudi and UAE authorities for their assistance.
- Officials and media credited Machchhar’s training and quick action with saving the lives of those on board and noted broad public praise as he continues his recovery.