Jerusalem: An Israeli dentist travelling aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 was among the first people to reach Indian Captain Smit Machchhar after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot during the mid-air altercation. Dr Shota Musayev, the only doctor on board, rushed to the cockpit after hearing screams and found Machchhar seriously injured and bleeding heavily, particularly from his head.
“When I heard screaming, after 10 seconds I ran — I didn’t wait,” Musayev told The Times of Israel after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. He said Machchhar was in a serious condition, with his blood pressure falling rapidly because of the blood loss. Musayev immediately provided first aid and managed to control the bleeding and stabilise the pilot’s blood pressure.
According to Musayev, the Indian captain had deep cuts on his head and hands. Despite his injuries and significant blood loss, Machchhar remained conscious and was able to communicate with people around him.
“The pilot was talking to us while he was lying there and told us he was 39 and had two children. The attacker stabbed him and cursed him,” Musayev told Israeli media outlet Ynet.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Musayev recalled that Machchhar continued praying while the dentist remained beside him during the emergency. “I was afraid we would really lose him,” he said. After the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, a medical team took over Machchhar’s treatment. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia later confirmed that the pilot was stable and receiving medical care.
PM Modi praises Captain Machchhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar for his actions during the incident, describing him as a “hero” and saying his courage helped save hundreds of lives.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” Modi said in a post on X.
He added that Machchhar’s actions helped prevent a major tragedy.
Flight diverted to Saudi Arabia
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when it issued emergency signals and experienced a sharp descent. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The incident remains under investigation, including the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack and the motive behind it.
