Flydubai captain: I cannot describe the medical care I received in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia after coming under attack, has revealed new details about the assault he suffered inside the cockpit by the co-pilot, the moments he lost consciousness, and the efforts made by the crew to save the aircraft.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News Arabia, the Indian pilot, Smit Machar, who is still receiving medical care in the United Arab Emirates, described the incident in chronological order.

Machar said, “Things were proceeding as usual at first, but the situation changed about two hours after takeoff, when the co-pilot asked another pilot, who was on board to command the return flight from Tel Aviv, to leave the cockpit to pray.”

The Indian pilot explained that while his assistant was praying, he was busy monitoring the landing schedule, checking the remaining fuel quantity, and assessing weather conditions. However, he was suddenly struck on the back of his head while the two of them were alone in the cockpit.

He said, “While I was checking the computer for timing and other details, I suddenly received a very strong blow to the back of my head. It was a powerful strike, and I felt it was delivered by a sharp and forceful object. At the time, I didn’t know what had hit me.”

Machar added, “At that moment, I fell forward. My first thought was that something had broken off the aircraft’s ceiling and that catastrophic damage had occurred. So I reverted to my training and began trying to regain my composure, stand up, see what was happening, and check the systems.”

The pilot continued, “My thinking was directed toward the idea that the aircraft had suffered significant damage from behind. But within seconds, I realized the attack was ongoing. He kept hitting me. At one point, when I turned around, I understood what was happening. He was saying something while hitting me, but I didn’t understand it. Also, as I later learned from the doctor, the blow caused my field of vision to narrow immediately, within seconds, to just a few centimeters.”

He went on, “The first thing I wanted to do was protect myself from further blows. So I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt, turned around, and tried to fend off what he was doing. At that point, I was struck on my hand. It then became completely clear what was happening.”

“At that exact moment, my immediate reaction was to call for the other captain, who was still on board. I was shouting his name and trying to open the door. The key was very close to me. I was simply trying to let someone in to help me. Amidst the panic, shouting, and everything else happening, I lost consciousness. It was the first time I had ever lost consciousness. But I remember that I managed to open the door. There was some commotion, and I heard that something was happening and that there was shouting.”

He continued, “After that, the door was closed immediately because he threatened to hit them too. At that moment, I felt blood and everything rushing downward, and my energy collapsing. I was barely staying conscious. Shortly afterward, I heard the engines’ sound decrease, and immediately after that, I felt the aircraft entering a descent. Since I have been flying for a long time, I don’t need to look at the gauges or listen to the engine to know what’s happening. I was losing and regaining consciousness due to blood loss, but there comes a moment when you realize you must fight for your life. That’s when the battle for survival began.”

He added, “This part is still fragmented in my memory, frankly. I speak with doctors, psychologists, and others, trying to understand why I still can’t piece everything together. But yes, I made an effort to reach the door. I remember managing to brace my leg somewhere and push with force. What I remember after that is that the door was open, and I was lying stretched out between the cockpit and the galley.”

Machar explained: “When I opened the door, the scene was completely different. Of course, panic and screaming prevailed. Another key factor was what my other colleague did: he took control of the aircraft and saved the situation, which is highly commendable. I will carry that memory with me for the rest of my life.”

When asked what stayed in his mind from that day, the Flydubai captain said: “Initially, right after the incident, flashes of the first impact kept coming to me, and it shook me during the first few days. I would be sitting normally when suddenly the first impact would return, and my heart would start pounding intensely. But what I will carry with me most from that day is determination—the absolute resolve of everyone to survive.”

Machar noted that he did not feel safe until the plane landed in Saudi Arabia, adding that the first person to speak with him after landing was his two-year-old child.

The pilot praised the medical care he received in the United Arab Emirates after being transferred there, saying: “From the very first day, the way we were cared for, the manner in which I was returned to the UAE, and even the care I received in Saudi Arabia, I will never forget. Yes, they brought me back here, and I was treated—I cannot even describe it in words—the medical care. This is something I wish to thank the UAE government for.”