INJURED PILOT INDIAN NATIONAL

DUBAI, SEPTEMBER 30 /SRNA/ – The captain of a Flydubai aircraft who was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight to Israel has been identified as Indian national Smit Machar, the Times of Israel portal reported.

Machar was stabbed with a knife by his co-pilot, who is reported to be an Omani national.

Machar lives in Dubai and has 13 years of experience as a pilot, including more than four years with Flydubai.

After being attacked by his co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to hijack and crash the aircraft, Machar was assisted by Dr. Shota Musayev, an Israeli dentist who was on board the plane, Indian media reported.

The incident aboard the Flydubai aircraft ended after passengers overpowered the co-pilot. Pilots among the passengers who were off duty took control of the aircraft and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.