Flydubai captain describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked him
Captain Smit Machchhar survived a mid-air attack by his co-pilot during flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar reports blocking axe blows and struggling to open the cockpit door before losing consciousness. He credits his actions and the assistance of others for saving the passengers. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after crew and passengers restrained the suspect. UAE authorities have since detained two Maldivian pilots in connection with an alleged aircraft attack plot.
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- ✓ Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- ✓ The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- ✓ The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia after the suspect was restrained.
- ✓ Captain Machchhar attempted to open the cockpit door while blocking axe blows.
What changed
Captain Smit Machchhar provided detailed first-hand accounts of the physical struggle and his loss of consciousness during the attack.
Live updates
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Captain Smit Machchhar Recounts Co-pilot's Axe Attack on flydubai Flight
Captain Smit Machchhar survived a mid-air attack by his co-pilot during flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar reports blocking axe blows and struggling to open the cockpit door before losing consciousness. He credits his actions and the assistance of others for saving the passengers. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after crew and passengers restrained the suspect. UAE authorities have since detained two Maldivian pilots in connection with an alleged aircraft attack plot.
Why it matters
The incident involved a flight bound for Tel Aviv and resulted in a diversion to Saudi Arabia. It highlights security vulnerabilities within the cockpit despite reinforced doors. The attack occurred last month.
What is confirmed
- Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia after the suspect was restrained.
- Captain Machchhar attempted to open the cockpit door while blocking axe blows.
- Two Maldivian Flydubai pilots are being held in the UAE over an alleged aircraft attack plot.
Still unconfirmed
- The attack was a hijack attempt.
- The attack saved 170 passengers.
- The attack saved 180 passengers.
What to watch next
- Official charges filed against the detained Maldivian pilots
- Investigation results regarding the co-pilot's motive
- Final passenger count confirmed by flydubai
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- Homeland Security Today — Two Maldivian Flydubai Pilots Held in UAE Over Alleged Aircraft Attack Plot
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- The Times of Israel — Flydubai captain recalls struggle to open cockpit door during attempted terror attack
- Ynetnews — From a marriage proposal to a fight for survival: Israeli couple recounts flydubai terror
- NDTV — 'Didn't Know What Hit Me': flydubai Hero Recalls Dubai-Tel Aviv Plane Horror
- Yahoo — FlyDubai pilot gives 1st interview
- The Guardian — Flydubai captain describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked him
- The Times of India — 'He kept on hitting': Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar reveals what happened mid-flight as he was stabbed
- Reuters — Captain of flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Flydubai captain describes co-pilot's axe attack and saving 170 passengers
- NDTV — 'Can Plumber Land Aircraft'? flydubai Indian Pilot On Role Of Israeli Hero
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