For Captain Smit Machchhar’s family in Savarkundla, Gujarat, the biggest relief came after learning that he had survived a frightening incident thousands of feet above the ground.
Machchhar, a FlyDubai captain from Savarkundla, was reportedly seriously injured after his co-pilot attacked him with a knife during a flight from Dubai to Israel. Despite his injuries, he is reported to have fought back and helped prevent what could have turned into a major mid-air disaster.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar continued to fight after being stabbed, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. He described him as a “true hero”.
A Fight Inside The Cockpit
The incident reportedly unfolded while the FlyDubai aircraft was flying from Dubai towards Israel.
Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, who Israeli officials identified as an Omani citizen. The attack left the captain seriously injured and in need of medical treatment.
Despite being wounded, Machchhar allegedly managed to fight back and open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew to intervene and overpower the attacker.
Netanyahu Credits Machchhar For Saving Lives
Speaking about the incident, Netanyahu said Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured but did not stop fighting.
According to Netanyahu’s account, the captain opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The Israeli Prime Minister said Machchhar’s actions saved lives.
He praised the captain’s courage and called him a “true hero”, while wishing him a speedy recovery.
From Savarkundla To The Cockpit
The incident has brought attention back to Machchhar’s roots in Savarkundla, Gujarat, where his family has been following updates about his condition. His family expressed relief after learning that he had survived the attack.
Machchhar’s brother-in-law, described his actions as extraordinary. He said the family was relieved that Machchhar survived the incident.
More Than A Decade In Aviation
Machchhar has spent more than a decade in commercial aviation. Before joining FlyDubai, he worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years. He later joined FlyDubai in June 2022.
His experience with the two airlines forms a significant part of his aviation career, which has now come into focus after the incident during the Dubai-Israel flight.
