‘He Prayed, Then Hit Me’: Indian Flydubai Captain Recalls Cockpit Attack On Tel Aviv-Bound Flight

Indian flydubai captain Smit Machchhar has described the dramatic moments inside the cockpit of a Tel Aviv-bound passenger aircraft, saying his Omani co-pilot prayed for several minutes before allegedly attacking him from behind.

Machchhar gave his first detailed account of the September 30 incident while speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incident took place aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The United Arab Emirates has described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, although investigators have so far found no established connection between co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami and any terrorist organisation.

‘Suddenly There Was A Big Blow’

Machchhar told Netanyahu that the flight had been routine until al-Hammami asked to pray inside the cockpit.

“It was just a normal flight,” Machchhar said, explaining that prayer by local passengers or crew was not unusual. He said he deliberately looked towards the front while the co-pilot prayed behind him.

After around four or five minutes, Machchhar said he suddenly felt a heavy blow to the back of his head.

His first reaction was to believe the aircraft had suffered a serious malfunction. But when the blows continued, he realised he was being attacked.

Aircraft Plunged More Than 16,000 Feet

Machchhar said his vision became severely blurred after the initial blows, making it difficult for him to respond.

He then realised that the aircraft was rapidly descending.

Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 lost more than 16,000 feet during the incident. Al-Hammami is accused of using an emergency axe kept inside the cockpit to attack Machchhar and attempting to take control of the aircraft.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar tried to open the cockpit door to get help.

“I did try and manage to open the [cockpit] door once, but I think he shut it back closed,” he said.

He recalled being on the cockpit floor as the aircraft descended, while hearing the sound of rushing air and passengers screaming.

‘I Had That One Last Fight Left In Me’

Machchhar said he knew he had to make one final attempt to reach the cockpit door.

“I had that one last fight left in me,” he said. “If I don’t do it, I’m going to die.”

He eventually managed to reach the door and open it. Israeli passengers then rushed into the cockpit and subdued al-Hammami, while others helped stabilise the aircraft.

Off-duty pilots travelling on the flight also took control before the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

How Machchhar Opened The Cockpit Door

During the conversation, Netanyahu asked Machchhar how he managed to open the door while injured.

Machchhar explained that the door can be opened from inside using a twist mechanism, while access from outside requires a code. His colleagues were attempting to use the code, but the attacker was preventing them from opening it.

Machchhar said his only option was to reach the internal knob and twist it open.

The move proved decisive, allowing passengers to enter the cockpit and help stop the attack.

Pilot Recounts Praying Hanuman Chalisa

Machchhar, who has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain, suffered serious injuries and was hospitalised before later being transferred to Abu Dhabi.

In a separate video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa while lying injured on the cockpit floor and struggling to get up.

He has also said he knew the aircraft was plunging and felt he could not allow the passengers to die.

Netanyahu Invites Machchhar To Israel Honour

Netanyahu told Machchhar that he wanted him to be honoured at Israel’s annual Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony.

The Israeli prime minister described the ceremony as his country’s highest Independence Day honour and said it was usually reserved for Israeli citizens. He said he believed Israelis would embrace Machchhar and expressed hope that the pilot would attend.

Netanyahu also said he would like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the ceremony. The proposal comes months before the event, while the composition of Israel’s government at the time remains uncertain.

Dentist Who Treated Machchhar Honoured In Israel

Meanwhile, Dr Shota Musaev, the Israeli dentist who treated Machchhar following the cockpit attack, was the guest of honour at Simchat Torah celebrations organised by the Chabad Jewish outreach movement in Rishon LeZion.

Speaking at the event, Musaev said the greatest gift was that those involved in the incident were alive and that he was able to celebrate by dancing with the Torah scroll.