STABBED, BUT STILL FLYING! How Indian Captain’s Mid-Air Battle Saved 180 Lives On Israel-Bound Jet

By Times Of India

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A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent incident unfolded inside the cockpit, triggering fears of a possible hijacking. At the centre of the incident was Capt Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and former SpiceJet pilot who joined flydubai in 2022. According to reports, Machchhar was attacked during a confrontation with the co-pilot and was injured but managed to regain control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The aircraft transmitted the 7700 emergency code before switching to 7500, the international code for unlawful interference or a possible hijacking. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled as authorities responded to the emergency. Passenger accounts described shouting, a struggle and blood inside the aircraft, with some passengers reportedly rushing toward the front and helping restrain the alleged attacker. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were reportedly injured and taken to hospital. Investigators are

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