Indian pilot averts disaster during Flydubai hijacking attempt
Indian pilot fought off co-pilot attack, opening cockpit door so passengers and crew could subdue the assailant.
Palanor Wire · composed from 4 outlets · every claim links to its sources
What happened
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 180 passengers. 125 Despite his injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. 245 The aircraft landed safely following the incident. 15
Why it matters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Machchhar as a hero. 136 Modi said the incident prevented another 9/11-like attack, while reports described it as an attempted plane crash. 15 SpiceJet Chairman Ajay Singh praised Machchhar's courage and competence in handling the crisis. 2
What to watch
Investigations into the co-pilot's motives continue, with Trump questioning whether the attacker was a 'terrorist or whack job.' 6
Sources · 6
[1]"Terrorist or whack job": Trump on flydubai co-pilot after mid-air attack; calls Indian Captain Smit Machchhar a hero
economictimes.indiatimes.com · via Marketaux
[2]Prevented another 9/11-like attack: PM Modi hails Capt Smit Machchhar
business-standard.com · via Marketaux
[3]Spicejet CMD Ajay Singh hails Capt Smit Machhchar for effort in saving lives on flydubai flight
economictimes.indiatimes.com · via Marketaux
[4]Midair miracles: Passengers hail Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli heroes who thwarted attack on flydubai flight
economictimes.indiatimes.com · via Marketaux
[5]‘A true hero’: Modi, Trump, and Netanyahu hail Indian pilot Machchhar after in-flight Attack
thehindubusinessline.com · via Marketaux
[6]Indian Flydubai pilot praised after disaster averted
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