Pilot in Flydubai Attack Says Could Not Let 'All Those People Die'
Smit Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him sense the jet’s plunge as passengers restrained the attacker.
- On Wednesday, FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar; all 182 passengers and crew landed safely.
- Severely injured during the attack, Machchhar crawled to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to restrain the attacker while he recited the Hanuman Chalisa for spiritual strength.
- Saudi authorities are interrogating the suspect, an Omani national, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacker underwent "Islamist radical indoctrination" and President Donald Trump warned Iran would be "hit very hard."
- Recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, Machchhar spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his "courage, patience, and presence of mind" for saving lives.
- In Manali, India, tourists held posters honoring the pilot, with social media users calling it a "Proud moment for India" and reflecting the deepening bond between India and Israel.
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Pilot in flydubai attack says could not let 'all those people die'
His actions on Wednesday helped avert disaster when he managed to open the cockpit door despite suffering injuries, allowing passengers and crew to take control of the plane and make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot has been returned to the United Arab Emirates, where the incident is under investigation to determine any "terrorist activity or intent". The mostly Israeli passengers on the flight have been flown back to Israel on…
'I was fighting for my life': Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls FlyDubai cockpit attack
The Indian airline captain who helped thwart an apparent attempt to crash a FlyDubai flight described Friday how he fought for his life in the minutes after his co-pilot stabbed him and the plane began a steep descent.
After the attack on a Flydubai machine, the Indian captain Smit Machchhar talked publicly for the first time about the dramatic minutes in the cockpit.
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