The dramatic moments that unfolded inside the cockpit of Flydubai‘s aircraft have been revealed by the injured captain, Smit Matshar. The Indian pilot, who is currently being treated at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, spoke via video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described the harrowing moments during which, despite sustaining serious injuries, he fought to prevent the aircraft from going out of control and to protect the passengers on board.
Read also: Israel investigates whether Flydubai co-pilot acted alone — “Whoever sent him will pay a heavy price,” says Netanyahu
Flydubai flight: “I knew this was the last attempt,” says the aircraft captain
“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I was not going to let the others die,” Matshar said, speaking from his hospital bed. The pilot described how he realized the aircraft was in a steep descent while he was already injured and lying on the cockpit floor. “I have been flying aircraft for 17 years, and for the last 11 years as a captain. I can sense exactly what is happening with an aircraft even with my eyes closed,” he said.
He explained that his years of experience allowed him to detect that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, despite his condition. “When I was on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was diving steeply. I had sustained so many injuries that I had collapsed,” he recounted.
The most critical moment, according to his account, came when he realized he had to make one final effort to open the cockpit door. “I felt that the aircraft was falling. I knew this was the last attempt, that the door was right there,” he said. Despite his injuries, he managed to reach the door and force it open. “They were still hitting me even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in,” he added.
An unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions. pic.twitter.com/CCf46PKOWR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026
Israeli officials expected to interrogate the Flydubai co-pilot
The incident occurred on the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to information released by Israeli authorities and passenger testimonies, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently experienced a sudden and severe loss of altitude, triggering emergency procedures and forcing a change of course. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.
The co-pilot, an Omani national, was transferred to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. According to a Reuters source, Israeli officials are expected to interrogate him, though it has not yet been confirmed which specific Israeli agency or authority will be involved in the process.
Meanwhile, UAE authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives involved, and whether any prior planning or external direction played a role. Investigators are also examining whether the incident is connected to any terrorist activity or intent.
“The true facts must be established,” says Israel
Flydubai announced that a full formal investigation is underway, effectively urging against drawing premature conclusions until the process is complete. The airline’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, emphasized the importance of establishing what actually happened.
The airline is closely monitoring the investigation and cooperating with the relevant authorities, while the precise sequence of events inside the cockpit and the co-pilot’s motives remain under investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is also exploring the possibility that the co-pilot acted on orders from a third party. Netanyahu warned that anyone found to be involved in the incident will face serious consequences.
However, this particular scenario has not yet been confirmed by the official investigation. Omani authorities have not made any public comment on the matter.
Following the incident, Flydubai announced that flights to Tel Aviv have been temporarily suspended at the request of the relevant authorities. This development comes as the investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the security measures applied to these flights continues.
