I wasn't going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack
Investigators are examining how a previously suspended pilot reached a FlyDubai cockpit after reports said he had been flagged for extremist materials.
- Captain Smit Machchhar revealed in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he unlocked the cockpit door from the floor while under attack, stating, "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die."
- The Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight plunged over 17,000 feet after Machchhar was assaulted by his co-pilot two hours into the journey from Dubai, forcing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers and off-duty crew members entered the flight deck after Machchhar unlocked the door during his final effort, successfully overpowering the assailant and regaining control of the aircraft.
- Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s bravery and quick decision-making under fire for preventing a major disaster and saving everyone on board.
- Following the safe emergency landing in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was transported to a hospital in Tabuk to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained during the struggle.
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Omani co-pilot who assaulted his captain in full flight was banned from flying in his country for suspicions of radicalisation Several international media
The Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain has been identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation
According to the broadcaster, extremist materials were discovered in 2024 belonging to al-Hammami, who was then working as a co-pilot for Oman Air. Following that incident, he was relegated to an administrative role at Oman Air. Investigators have yet...
The co-pilot was hired by the airline based in United Arab Emirates. It was not immediately clear to what extent his background was investigated when he was hired in United Arab Emirates.
The Sun Chronicle
mykxlg.comFlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
The FlyDubai co-pilot who officials said nearly crashed a Tel Aviv-bound flight with 182 people aboard was barred from flying by his native Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views, a person familiar with the matter said Saturday. The…
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