# Flydubai captain recounts blocking axe blows during co-pilot attack

https://mins.news/en/item/105342

- The Guardian, 2026-10-18 17:27 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/18/flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-blocking-axe-blows-flight-fz1073

> Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar said he tried to fend off axe blows and screamed for help while reaching to open the cockpit door. The aircraft plunged sharply before two other pilots aboard landed it safely in Saudi Arabia. UAE prosecutors said the suspect intended to crash it into Ben Gurion airport.

## Stories

- [Israel-bound Flight Hijacking and Aviation Security Incidents](https://mins.news/en/topic/israel-bound-flight-terror-incident) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/israel-bound-flight-terror-incident.md

## Related coverage

- [FlyDubai captain reveals new details of alleged hijacking attempt](https://mins.news/en/video/107473) — Fox News, 2026-10-20
- [Flydubai captain recounts fending off axe blows during co-pilot attack](https://mins.news/en/item/105316) — Reuters, 2026-10-18
- [Hero FlyDubai pilot speaks out for first time about in-flight attack](https://mins.news/en/item/104834) — NBC News, 2026-10-17