Indian captain Smit Machchhar underwent surgery after a flydubai cockpit attack. His co-pilot told investigators it was 'revenge for Gaza'
An Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with the crash axe during a flydubai flight, fracturing his skull. The aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia, where the captain had emergency surgery. NDTV reports the co-pilot told investigators it was in revenge for Gaza. Hindustan Times and NDTV report Israel was ready to shoot the plane down before it turned. The Indian embassy said the captain is making steady progress, and the US House honoured his courage.
A cockpit attack by a crew member, in the middle of a regional war, exposes gaps in how airlines vet and monitor pilots.
No change for passengers. Expect airlines to review cockpit procedures.
The question to watch is why two extra pilots were aboard, and what the Saudi safety probe finds.
DailyDrop India edition No. 2 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 6, 2026