Flydubai Captain Recounts Cockpit Assault During Dubai‑Tel Aviv Flight

Attack in the Cockpit

The flight had proceeded normally until the co‑pilot asked another pilot travelling on board, who was scheduled to operate the return flight from Tel Aviv, to leave the cockpit so that he could pray. While Machchhar was checking the expected landing time, remaining fuel and weather conditions, he told Sky News Arabia: “While I was checking the computer for the timing and other things, I suddenly received a very hard blow to the back of my head.” He added: “It was a powerful blow, and I felt it had come from something very sharp and hard. At that point, I had no idea what had hit me.” He recalled that his first thought was: “At that moment, I fell forward, and the first thought that crossed my mind was that something had broken off from the aircraft’s ceiling and that catastrophic damage had occurred.” Drawing on his training, he attempted to regain his composure, get up and check the aircraft’s systems. He later learned from a doctor that his field of vision had narrowed almost immediately to just a few centimetres.

Within seconds he realised the attack was continuing, saying: “I realised within seconds that the attack was continuing. He kept hitting me.” When he turned around he understood what was happening: “When I turned around at one point, I understood what was happening. He was saying something while striking me, but I could not understand him.”

Struggle for Survival

Machchhar released his seat belt, turned around and attempted to fend off the assault, suffering another blow to his hand. He shouted the name of the other captain who was still on board, trying to open the cockpit door: “My immediate reaction was to call the other captain who was still on board. I was shouting his name and trying to open the door.” He noted that the switch was very close to him: “The switch was very close to me. I was just trying to let someone in to help me.” Amid the struggle he lost consciousness for the first time.

He recalled feeling increasingly weak as blood continued to flow from his injuries. He was barely able to remain conscious. He heard the aircraft’s engines become quieter and felt the plane begin to descend. Having flown for many years, he understood what was happening without needing to check the instruments. He said: “I was losing consciousness and regaining it because of the blood loss, but there comes a moment when you tell yourself that you have to fight for your life.” He added: “That was when the battle for survival began.”

Machchhar acknowledged that parts of the incident remain fragmented in his memory and has been speaking with doctors and psychologists in an effort to understand why he has been unable to piece together everything that happened.

He recalled struggling towards the cockpit door, bracing his leg against something and pushing with all his strength. His next memory was of the door being open and himself lying between the cockpit and the aircraft’s galley.

Aftermath and Gratitude

When the cockpit door opened, the scene was completely different: “When the door opened, the scene was completely different. Of course, there was panic and screaming,” he said. The door was then closed again after the co‑pilot threatened to strike others as well, according to Machchhar’s account. He paid tribute to the colleague who took control of the aircraft: “What my other colleague did, taking over the controls and saving the situation, deserves recognition,” and added: “It is something I will carry with me until the last day of my life.” He said the determination shown by everyone was what he would carry most: “What I will carry with me most from that day is the determination, the absolute determination of everyone to survive.”

Machchhar said he did not feel safe until the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia. The first person he spoke to after landing was his two‑year‑old child.

He expressed gratitude for the medical care he received in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where he continues to undergo treatment. He said: “From the first day, the way we were cared for, the way I was brought back to the UAE, and even the care I received in Saudi Arabia, I will never forget it for as long as I live.” He added: “I cannot even put the medical care into words. This is something for which I would like to thank the UAE Government.” He also expressed particular appreciation for the medical attention he received after returning to the Emirates.

The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia.