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Flydubai pilot describes cockpit attack in call with Indian PM

The captain of a Flydubai aircraft that experienced a mid-air emergency has recounted the incident during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion followed an attack by a crew member aboard the flight bound for Tel Aviv.

LSN World News · 2 October 2026

Flydubai pilot describes cockpit attack in call with Indian PM

Captain Smit Machchhar, who was piloting the Flydubai flight, provided details of the cockpit confrontation to Prime Minister Modi in what marked a significant diplomatic acknowledgment of the incident. The conversation underscored the serious nature of the emergency that occurred during the aircraft's operation.

The incident involved an attack by the co-pilot on the captain during the flight, creating a critical situation in the cockpit that required immediate intervention and management by remaining crew members. Such incidents represent rare but severe challenges to aviation safety protocols.

The nature and circumstances of the attack, along with the immediate response by the flight crew, remain central to ongoing investigations into the event. Aviation authorities have been examining procedures and safety measures that were activated during the emergency.

The conversation between Captain Machchhar and Prime Minister Modi reflects India's interest in the incident, given the Indian nationality of the pilot involved. Flydubai has been cooperating with relevant authorities regarding the investigation into the cockpit emergency and its causes.