In brief
An Indian pilot on a Flydubai flight to Israel thwarted a hijacking attempt by his co‑pilot, opening the cockpit door to allow passengers to seize the attacker. The plane, which left from Dubai and landed safely in Saudi Arabia, survived with all passengers and crew unharmed. A hospital‑bound captain received a phone call from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his bravery. The incident highlights aviation security challenges and the critical role of crew training in crisis situations.
The incident unfolded on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel when the co‑pilot, apparently intent on hijacking the aircraft, attempted to take control. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, immediately blocked the assault, opening the cockpit door for the passengers. This decisive action enabled the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker, preventing a disaster.
The flight departed from Dubai and, after the confrontation, managed to land safely in Saudi Arabia. Remarkably, every passenger and crew member survived the ordeal, thanks largely to the captain’s courage and quick thinking.
While recovering in a hospital bed, Captain Machchhar received a call from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed him as a hero for his actions that prevented casualties. Modi’s call underlined the nation’s pride in the pilot’s bravery and support for aviation safety.
