Indian Pilot Injured After Co-Pilot's Sabotage Attempt on Flydubai Flight
Captain Smit Machchhar sustained severe injuries, including a skull fracture, during an attempted sabotage of a Flydubai flight on September 30. The aircraft, carrying 170 passengers, was targeted by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly intended to crash it into Ben-Gurion Airport. Despite being attacked with a crash axe, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. He is currently receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi, experiencing blurred vision and memory issues. The UAE Attorney General's preliminary investigation suggests the incident was a premeditated terrorist attack. Machchhar is reported to be recovering, with India's ambassador to the UAE confirming he is stable and in good spirits.
Published 12 hours ago • 06 Oct 2026, 06:05 PM IST