Injured Captain and Passengers Help Save flydubai Flight After Cockpit Attack

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Saudi Arabia on September 30 after its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain while the aircraft was in the air.

According to Israeli officials, as reported by Reuters, Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. Additional flydubai pilots travelling aboard then took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The weapon and the exact sequence of events have not been confirmed by investigators, and the motive remains under investigation. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said its initial findings showed the co-pilot attacked the captain and that both men were injured. The UAE has opened its own investigation.

Everyone aboard survived

flydubai said all 172 passengers and crew aboard were safe and accounted for. The captain has since returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance.

The airline thanked the captain, the pilots who secured and landed the aircraft, the cabin crew and the passengers who assisted during the emergency. It also thanked Saudi authorities for their response.

flydubai also announced that its Tel Aviv operations have been temporarily suspended at the authorities’ request while the investigation continues.

The safe landing followed the combined efforts of the injured captain, passengers, cabin crew and additional pilots aboard.