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FlyDubai Captain Details Cockpit Assault to Israeli PM

Captain Smit Mechar of FlyDubai recounted to Israel's Prime Minister a violent altercation in the aircraft cockpit after his co-pilot suddenly attacked him following prayer. Despite sustaining head injuries that impaired his vision and the aircraft entering a steep descent, the captain managed to regain control of the plane.

LSN India · 4 October 2026

FlyDubai Captain Details Cockpit Assault to Israeli PM

Captain Smit Mechar of FlyDubai provided Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a detailed account of a serious incident aboard a commercial flight, describing how his co-pilot launched an unprovoked assault within the cockpit without apparent warning.

According to Captain Mechar's account, the co-pilot initiated the attack immediately after completing his prayers, turning violent without any preceding confrontation or dispute. The captain sustained multiple head injuries during the altercation, which significantly compromised his vision and ability to operate safely within the confined cockpit space.

The assault occurred at a critical moment, as the aircraft began a rapid descent following the incident. Captain Mechar reported that the plane's trajectory became increasingly difficult to control as the violence unfolded in the cockpit, creating a dangerous situation for all personnel and passengers aboard.

Despite his injuries and the rapidly deteriorating flight conditions, Captain Mechar managed to regain authority over the aircraft's controls and bring the situation under control. The captain's account to the Israeli PM underscores the serious nature of the incident and raises questions about safety protocols in commercial aviation cockpits.