Stories
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed for Foiling Flydubai Terror Bid
- •US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers for preventing a potential terrorist incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073.
- •The UAE Attorney General stated the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act, attacking Machchhar with a crash axe in the cockpit.
- •Despite injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower the co-pilot, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- •Machchhar has received widespread praise from officials in India, the UAE, and Israel, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan.
- •The UAE investigation into the incident, including the co-pilot's motives, is ongoing.
Key Questions Answered
During the September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe in an attempted terrorist act. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so passengers could enter and overpower the co-pilot. The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed utmost respect and awe for Captain Machchhar and passengers like Yaniv Huyan for preventing a horrific terrorist incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for averting a 9/11-type tragedy, while Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended his courage and responsibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the pilot, crew, and passengers.
After the co-pilot was subdued, a passenger initially helped steady the aircraft. Subsequently, two off-duty pilots who were travelling as passengers took control of the plane and safely landed it at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
