Smit Machchhar Foils Cockpit Attack

Captain Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi he made “one last push” during a Flydubai cockpit attack because he could not let the passengers die. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, carrying about 182 people, had been forced into an emergency landing in Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and the plane entered a steep dive. Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door while wounded, letting passengers and crew rush in and subdue the attacker. He said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the struggle. Indian and Israeli leaders praised the rescue. Investigators are examining terrorism or radicalization, while Flydubai’s Tel Aviv flights remain suspended.