Watch: Hero flydubai pilot treated shortly after landing; airlifted to Abu Dhabi
An Indian pilot was airlifted to the UAE after being stabbed by his co-pilot during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, and the co-pilot is currently under investigation.
Why it matters
This rare and dangerous cockpit incident raises significant questions regarding aviation security and pilot mental health screening protocols.
NEW DELHI: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was airlifted to Dubai on Thursday for further treatment after being stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly planned to crash the flydubai plane that was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot while fighting him in the cockpit, but fought back and was severely injured. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with all the passengers safe.On Wednesday, a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk on Wednesday following an altercation between the pilots.Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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