Captain reclaims cockpit amid on-board attack and passengers save flight

The FlyDubai captain, Smit Machchhar, described in a telephone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu how he fought to save 174 passengers and six crew after the co-pilot attacked him on flight FZ1073. He said the co-pilot requested to pray in the cockpit, which the captain accepted, and shortly after felt a strong impact and realised the co-pilot was attacking him.

Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door once but the co-pilot closed it and he fell to the floor as his vision blurred and the aircraft entered a steep descent. Passengers attempted to access the cockpit using the code while the captain struggled to regain control.

The captain recalled reaching for the internal twist handle and, with a sharp, quick turn, finally opening the door and allowing passengers to enter. The passengers subdued the co-pilot and helped stabilise the aircraft, the captain told Netanyahu.

Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s courage during the call, calling him a hero and inviting him and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame on Israel’s next Independence Day. Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Yossi Shelley was at the captain’s bedside during the call and joined the invitation for Machchhar and his family to visit Israel once he is able.

Dubai’s Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid visited Machchhar in hospital and commended his bravery, saying he embodied courage, responsibility and care for human life. The UAE prosecutor general stated the co-pilot used a crash axe against the captain and attempted to carry out a terrorist attack, while Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE president’s diplomatic adviser, described the incident as a dangerous terrorist act.

British newspaper The Telegraph reported that the co-pilot, identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami, studied aviation at Buckinghamshire New University and had social media posts praising violent actions toward women and supporting Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the newspaper said.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The captain’s actions, as described in his call with Benjamin Netanyahu, indicate decisive personal intervention that allowed passengers to regain access to the cockpit and subdue the co-pilot, resulting in the aircraft’s stabilization and the preservation of lives. High-level diplomatic and governmental responses, including invitations and hospital visits, reflect the international attention and official recognition of the captain’s role in resolving the incident. Allegations about the co-pilot’s prior statements and education, as reported by The Telegraph, add public interest and context to the motivations attributed to the attacker.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• The captain Smit Machchhar described being attacked by the co-pilot onboard flight FZ1073 and initially losing sight and balance during the struggle.
• Passengers attempted to open the cockpit from the outside using the access code while the co-pilot repeatedly closed the door.
• The captain managed to operate the internal twist handle and open the cockpit, allowing passengers to subdue the co-pilot and stabilise the aircraft.
• Benjamin Netanyahu praised the captain and invited him and Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame on Israel’s next Independence Day.
• Yossi Shelley visited the captain in hospital and extended an invitation for Machchhar and his family to visit Israel when able.
• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid visited the captain in hospital and commended his bravery and responsibility.
• The UAE prosecutor general said the co-pilot used a crash axe and attempted a terrorist attack, with Dr Anwar Gargash calling it a dangerous terrorist act.
• The Telegraph reported that the co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami studied at Buckinghamshire New University and had controversial social media posts, according to the newspaper.