The Indian pilot injured when an Omani co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit and tried to crash the plane is in stable condition and receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the Indian embassy in the kingdom said Wednesday evening.
Captain Sumit Machchar was stabbed by the flights copilot, an Omani national, in the cockpit mid-flight. The crew and passengers acted quickly to subdue the assailant, and the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk so Machchar could receive urgent medical care.
Indian diplomatic officials in Saudi Arabia said they are monitoring developments closely and awaiting a full medical report on Machchar's condition. The embassy is in direct contact with the pilot's family and coordinating with local authorities throughout his treatment and recovery.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X Wednesday evening: "I salute the Indian pilot, Captain Sumit Machchar, for his extraordinary courage. Despite being stabbed and seriously wounded, he fought back, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to subdue the attacker, preventing a major aviation disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and citizens of other countries. I wish Captain Machchar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero."
Machchar, who has 15 years of aviation experience, was wounded during the struggle, apparently by the emergency axe kept in the cockpit. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to break in and overpower the co-pilot, who is suspected of attempting to crash the aircraft.
During the attack, the plane entered a spin and began to dive. One passenger, together with a crew member, broke into the cockpit with Machchar's help and neutralised the attacker.
A second pilot, from Fiji, entered the cockpit and regained control of the aircraft, which had been damaged during the rapid descent. One passenger later recounted: "We neutralised him, the terrorist, and a doctor helped the main pilot, stabilised him. It was insane." Machchar joined Fly Dubai in June 2022, after 11 years with the Indian carrier SpiceJet.
