Flydubai pilot injured in attack is an Indian national — NDTV

The Flydubai pilot injured in an attack during a flight on 30 September is an Indian national, Indian television channel NDTV reported, citing sources.

According to the report, Smit Machchhar thwarted an alleged sabotage attempt by the co-pilot and was injured in the ensuing confrontation. Machchhar has worked for Flydubai for four years, having previously spent 10 years with Indian airline SpiceJet.

As previously reported, the Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed in Saudi Arabia some time after transmitting an emergency signal. The airline later confirmed that an incident had occurred on board.

Subsequent media reports alleged that one of the pilots had stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft.