Flydubai Captain Describes Dramatic Cockpit Door Struggle Amid Mid-Air Attack

Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar fought to open cockpit door during attack, saving 174 passengers. Heroic act praised by Netanyahu.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A Flydubai pilot who was stabbed by his co-pilot mid-flight described how he fought to open the cockpit door while still being attacked, preventing a potential disaster and saving 174 lives.

Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot, recounted how he managed to unlock the cockpit door despite severe injuries, allowing passengers and crew to enter the flight deck and subdue the attacker. He stated he could not let others die during the crisis.

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Passenger Yaniv Hayoun confirmed that Machchhar was severely injured near the door but had unlocked it before collapsing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later commended the captain for his bravery, highlighting his efforts to protect the passengers during the harrowing incident.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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