'Circumstances Being Probed': Flydubai Refuses To Divulge Identity Of Smit Machchhar's Omani Co-Pilot

Flydubai has refused to disclose the identity of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, telling News18 that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated.

When News18 asked the airline to confirm the identity of the co-pilot involved in the September 30 incident, Flydubai said: “We understand the interest in this story. While we recognise there are many questions at this stage, the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. We are not in a position to provide any additional comment beyond our published statements.”

The airline’s response comes as questions continue to surround the identity, background and motive

of the co-pilot who attacked Machchhar during the flight.

The co-pilot has been identified in reporting as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly disclosed by authorities.

What Happened Inside The Cockpit?

Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, when the co-pilot attacked him inside the cockpit.

The Indian captain sustained serious injuries during the assault, with a passenger describing it as his “hands and head being sliced open and almost severed in two”, but managed to respond to the attack. Passenger accounts have described a struggle inside the cockpit before cabin crew and passengers intervened and restrained the attacker. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 people aboard the flight survived.

Machchhar has since spoken about the ordeal, including his efforts to remain composed during the crisis. In a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, he said he had been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the difficult moments. PM Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, presence of mind and composure and wished him a speedy recovery.

Probe Into Circumstances Continues

The circumstances surrounding the attack are being examined by authorities as investigators seek to establish what happened inside the cockpit and why the attack took place.

The identity of the co-pilot is therefore likely to remain a key unanswered question as the investigation progresses.

Flydubai, however, has made it clear that it will not provide further information at this stage beyond statements it has already released. For now, the airline has declined to confirm the name of the co-pilot, citing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the incident.