Captain of FlyDubai captain commends those who helped to save passengers, tell me about this news today

The news centers on Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of FlyDubai Flight 1073 (flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv), who survived a violent mid-air attack by his co-pilot and commended the passengers and crew who stepped in to avert a catastrophe.

NDTV

During the flight, the co-pilot attacked and repeatedly stabbed Captain Machchhar in the cockpit and forced the aircraft into a steep dive. Despite sustaining severe, life-threatening injuries and losing significant blood, Machchhar fought to reach the cockpit door controls to unlatch it.

NDTV

Opening that door allowed passengers to breach the cockpit, tackle the attacker, and pull him away from the flight controls. Among the passengers who intervened were an Israeli plumber who helped stabilize the aircraft controls, a dentist who administered emergency medical aid to stop the captain’s bleeding, and off-duty crew members who helped secure the plane.

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Speaking from the hospital, Captain Machchhar recounted that he knew he had to muster one final push to open the door so others could get inside. He expressed deep gratitude and praise for the courage and fast reaction of the passengers and crew, emphasizing that their collective intervention prevented what could have been a fatal crash and saved everyone on board.