New details have emerged about the dramatic cockpit attack aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, in which Indian captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 3, Machchhar described how the attack began and how, despite suffering serious injuries and severely blurred vision, he managed to open the cockpit door twice—ultimately allowing passengers to enter and overpower the attacker.
Co-pilot allegedly used prayer as a pretext
According to Machchhar’s account, the flight was proceeding normally when the Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, stood up and said he wanted to pray.
Machchhar said he did not find the action unusual and deliberately avoided looking behind him out of respect. Around four to five minutes later, he felt a powerful blow to the back of his head.
The captain initially did not realise he was being attacked. He said the first strike was so unexpected that he thought the aircraft itself might have suffered a serious impact. A second blow made him realise that the attack was coming from the co-pilot.
Captain’s vision severely affected
Machchhar said the blows left his vision badly blurred. Despite his injuries and confusion, he realised that the aircraft was descending sharply and that immediate action was necessary.
He managed to reach the cockpit door and open it, hoping to get help from those outside.
However, the co-pilot closed the door, causing the injured captain to fall to the floor.
“I realised I had one more chance,” Machchhar recalled while speaking to Netanyahu.
With his remaining strength, he pushed himself back towards the door and managed to open it for a second time.
Passengers rushed into cockpit
The second opening proved crucial.
Machchhar said that when he opened the door again, he saw people waiting outside. Passengers and others immediately rushed into the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker.
Their intervention enabled the aircraft to be brought back under control and prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome.
There were 174 people aboard the flight, most of them Israeli passengers.
Captain explains how the cockpit door was opened
Machchhar also clarified how the cockpit door mechanism worked.
He said there was no “pin” involved in opening the door from inside. Instead, the door could be opened from the cockpit by turning a knob, while people outside required a security code.
According to Machchhar, people outside were attempting to enter the code, but the attacker was preventing them from gaining access. The captain eventually managed to reach the internal mechanism and open the door.
Flight diverted to Saudi Arabia
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Following the cockpit attack and the resulting emergency, the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel have been investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the attack and the possible motive.
Netanyahu praises Indian captain
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Machchhar for his actions and described him as a hero.
Netanyahu has also invited Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel for the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
Machchhar had earlier spoken with Prime Minister Modi from his hospital bed on October 2. During that conversation, he explained that despite fighting for his own survival, he remained focused on protecting the passengers.
The Indian captain, who has around 17 years of flying experience, also said he relied on his faith during the crisis and recited the Hanuman Chalisa for courage.
Machchhar’s account highlights how the situation inside the cockpit quickly turned into a fight for control of the aircraft—and how his decision to make a second attempt at opening the cockpit door helped give passengers an opportunity to intervene.