# Flydubai ‘hero’ pilot speaks for first time

https://mins.news/en/item/83872

- DW, 2026-10-02 17:15 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/flydubai-hero-pilot-speaks-for-first-time/a-79524500?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has described the cockpit attack for the first time. He said he opened the cockpit door despite serious stab wounds after his copilot allegedly tried to crash the plane, allowing passengers to restrain the copilot. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, carrying about 180 people, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE and Israeli authorities are investigating, while Flydubai has suspended Tel Aviv flights until at least October 15.

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