Flydubai Captain Recounts Terrifying Mid-Air Attack

Flydubai captain Smith Machar has spoken publicly for the first time about an alleged attack aboard a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, he recalled how an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him from behind with an axe, leaving him with serious head injuries. Machar said he fought to remain conscious, driven by the need to survive and protect the passengers on board. He also described hearing screams and witnessing panic after the cockpit door opened, as the aircraft faced a dangerous situation.

Machar credited another pilot on board with helping avert a potential disaster. According to the account, the pilot quickly took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The incident reportedly took place on September 30, 2026, when the aircraft suddenly lost altitude, alarming passengers. The injured captain was taken to hospital, while the co-pilot was reportedly detained by Saudi police. The account also states that the UAE formed a committee to investigate the incident. The allegations and the official findings should be distinguished pending confirmation from authoritative sources.