Flydubai captain describes cockpit attack:
Smit Machchhar wiped away tears as he spoke from a hospital bed to India’s prime minister
irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/i-could-not-let-people-die-flydubai-captain-describes-cockpit-attack/
Photo: irishtimes.com · view article
Flydubai Captain Recounts Cockpit StabbingSmit Machchhar told Narendra Modi from hospital how the aircraft was stabilised after the attack.
Key FactsOct 2, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: irishtimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: irishtimes.com
- Captain Smit Machchhar told Narendra Modi that the co-pilot stabbed him during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- According to Flightradar24, the aircraft lost more than 5,000 metres in 90 seconds, was stabilised and made an emergency landing in Tabuk.
- According to Machchhar, he opened the cockpit door despite the attack; passengers entered and helped save the aircraft.
- The United Arab Emirates said Thursday it was examining possible terrorist links and whether the attack had been premeditated.
I knew I was fighting for my life, but I couldn't let the other passengers die.— Capt Smit Machchhar, Flydubai captain; describing his actions during the cockpit attack in an emotional call with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
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Flydubai captain describes cockpit attack: Smit Machchhar wiped away tears as he spoke from a hospital bed to India’s prime minister
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