Dubai: Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar is receiving international praise after displaying extraordinary courage during a cockpit attack on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage, responsibility and concern for human life.
The incident took place on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. UAE authorities said the Omani co-pilot attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe and allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and overpower the attacker.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, rapidly lost altitude before being diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. The Indian Embassy said he was recovering well.
The UAE Attorney General has described the incident as an attempted “terrorist act”, while investigators continue to examine the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
Machchhar’s actions have also been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Machchhar recently recounted the ordeal to Netanyahu, describing his struggle to open the cockpit door despite his injuries.
