FlyDubai Cockpit Attack - Pilot Reveals Key Details

An investigation is underway into the attack on Indian FlyDubai pilot Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. Machchhar has shared key details about the incident, stating that the co-pilot had told him he wanted to pray and moved behind him while the aircraft was being operated. Since such prayers are considered common among pilots in the region, he said he did not object. However, a few minutes later, he was attacked from behind with an axe kept inside the cockpit.

Machchhar said he immediately tried to open the cockpit door and seek assistance, keeping the safety of the passengers in mind. Although the co-pilot attempted to prevent him from doing so, passengers eventually entered the cockpit and helped bring the situation under control. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami, had reportedly spent time in Australia as a student before joining FlyDubai. Security agencies are examining his past activities and any possible links to extremist ideology. Reports of Al-Qaeda propaganda supporting the suspect are also being examined as part of the wider investigation.