FlyDubai Pilot Details Co-Pilot Stabbing, Averting Mid-Air Disaster

An Indian pilot has come forward to recount his harrowing experience aboard a FlyDubai flight, where he fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft. Captain Machchhar described a terrifying cockpit attack during which his co-pilot stabbed him, leading to a dangerous steep descent of the plane. His quick thinking and bravery are credited with saving the lives of the 182 individuals on board.

The flight, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, following the incident. Captain Machchhar revealed that during the intense struggle, he found strength by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional hymn. He specifically mentioned to Prime Minister Modi, "Lord Hanuman gave me courage."

Machchhar, a married man with two children, has been with FlyDubai for approximately four years. Before joining the airline, his LinkedIn profile indicates a significant 11-year tenure with SpiceJet, an Indian low-cost carrier, where he held positions as a senior commander and line training captain, accumulating over 9,750 flying hours.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the assailant, identified as an Omani national, was apprehended in Saudi Arabia and is currently undergoing interrogation. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time.