DUBAI (Diya TV) — Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar suffered serious injuries during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight Wednesday but opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker, according to witnesses and Israeli authorities.
The incident forced Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities said the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Investigators have not established a motive.
Flydubai described the incident as an “altercation” in the flight deck. The airline said its crew members traveling aboard secured the aircraft, diverted it and landed safely. It confirmed that all passengers and crew were accounted for.
Machchhar underwent emergency surgery in Tabuk before authorities airlifted him to Dubai for further treatment Thursday, sources told The Indian Express. His family also reached Dubai, where Indian diplomatic officials met them and pledged support.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Machchhar was receiving medical care and was safe. A detailed public medical bulletin was not available.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the captain Thursday, saying his courage helped protect those aboard despite his serious injuries. Modi also wished him a speedy recovery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Machchhar with opening the cockpit door and enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate. The airline said it would review the suspension as more information becomes available and urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause or motive.
The carrier also sent replacement aircraft to Tabuk to transport passengers and crew.
