Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured Wednesday when the other pilot stabbed him during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to restrain the attacker as the plane descended sharply, according to witnesses and Israeli officials.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai said crew members traveling aboard secured the plane and landed it safely. The alleged attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia; his motive remained under investigation.
Machchhar received emergency treatment in Tabuk before being moved to the United Arab Emirates, The Indian Express reported. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said he was safe and receiving medical care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar a hero, saying his courage helped avert a tragedy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the captain, along with the passengers and crew who intervened.
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