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Friend Speaks Out as Indian Pilot Recovers After Mid-Air Attack on Flydubai Flight - International, ACT
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Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering after allegedly being attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel. His longtime friend has described the shock of seeing footage of the incident, while the I...
A close friend of Indian airline captain Smit Machchhar has spoken about the shock of learning that the pilot had been seriously injured during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Captain Dhaval Patel, who trained alongside Machchhar in New Zealand, told ABC News that they had known each other for close to two decades. Patel recalled Machchhar as a knowledgeable and supportive colleague who helped fellow pilots during their training and professional development.
Patel said he was deeply affected when he first saw footage of the incident circulating online. Seeing someone he had known and worked with in such circumstances was difficult to comprehend, he explained, describing the emotional impact of witnessing a serious event involving a close friend.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, 30 September. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was carrying approximately 174 people when an altercation allegedly broke out in the cockpit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. These claims have been reported by authorities, while the airline said the underlying reasons and motives remained subject to a formal investigation.
The aircraft issued a distress call and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers and crew members reportedly intervened during the emergency, helping subdue the alleged attacker and allowing the aircraft to be brought under control.
Machchhar sustained injuries and received medical treatment following the incident. The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates said he had been moved to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and was recovering well.
The incident drew international attention, with officials and passengers acknowledging the actions of those who helped prevent further danger aboard the flight. Israel also recognised five citizens for their role in assisting during the emergency.
Flydubai confirmed that a formal investigation was underway and cautioned against speculation about the cause of the altercation. Authorities have not publicly established a motive.
The flight carried passengers of several nationalities, including at least two Australians, who were reported safe following the emergency. The incident has raised questions about cockpit safety and the procedures used to respond to emergencies involving flight crew.
For Patel, the event was also deeply personal. His comments focused on the friendship and professional connection he shared with Machchhar, and his relief at hearing that the captain was recovering.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, while Machchhar remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi.
IncidentMachchharAircraftFlightCaptain
A close friend of Indian airline captain Smit Machchhar has spoken about the shock of learning that the pilot had been seriously injured during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Captain Dhaval Patel, who trained alongside Machchhar in New Zealand, told ABC News that they had known each other for close to two decades. Patel recalled Machchhar as a knowledgeable and supportive colleague who helped fellow pilots during their training and professional development.
Patel said he was deeply affected when he first saw footage of the incident circulating online. Seeing someone he had known and worked with in such circumstances was difficult to comprehend, he explained, describing the emotional impact of witnessing a serious event involving a close friend.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, 30 September. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was carrying approximately 174 people when an altercation allegedly broke out in the cockpit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. These claims have been reported by authorities, while the airline said the underlying reasons and motives remained subject to a formal investigation.
The aircraft issued a distress call and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers and crew members reportedly intervened during the emergency, helping subdue the alleged attacker and allowing the aircraft to be brought under control.
Machchhar sustained injuries and received medical treatment following the incident. The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates said he had been moved to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and was recovering well.
The incident drew international attention, with officials and passengers acknowledging the actions of those who helped prevent further danger aboard the flight. Israel also recognised five citizens for their role in assisting during the emergency.
Flydubai confirmed that a formal investigation was underway and cautioned against speculation about the cause of the altercation. Authorities have not publicly established a motive.
The flight carried passengers of several nationalities, including at least two Australians, who were reported safe following the emergency. The incident has raised questions about cockpit safety and the procedures used to respond to emergencies involving flight crew.
For Patel, the event was also deeply personal. His comments focused on the friendship and professional connection he shared with Machchhar, and his relief at hearing that the captain was recovering.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, while Machchhar remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi.
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