An Israeli dentist who treated flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during an emergency onboard Flight FZ1073 has recalled how passengers worked together to help the injured pilot after a confrontation in the cockpit. Dr Musaev said Machchhar had sustained serious injuries and was losing a significant amount of blood when passengers reached him. The flight was eventually diverted and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the captain was handed over to medical authorities.

Musaev said he first checked on other passengers before turning his attention to Machchhar. He recalled that the captain was conscious but in a critical condition, with his pulse becoming dangerously low at one point. Musaev said he and other passengers raised the pilot's legs and continued providing first aid until his condition improved. He believed the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia was crucial because of the extent of the captain's blood loss.

The dentist also described how he tried to keep Machchhar alert and communicating while they waited for professional medical assistance. The pilot spoke about experiencing pain and told Musaev that he wanted to return to his family. He shared that he was 39 years old, had two children and lived in Dubai. Musaev said keeping an injured person engaged in conversation can be important during a traumatic situation and helped Machchhar remain conscious until the plane landed.

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Musaev credited Machchhar and fellow passenger Yaniv Hayun, along with others onboard, for their actions during the emergency. He said Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers to understand the seriousness of the situation and intervene. Several passengers, including two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight, then helped regain control of the aircraft and restrained the co-pilot until authorities could take over.

The incident occurred on the Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight after Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hamami allegedly attacked Machchhar during the flight. Passengers intervened after the cockpit door was opened and restrained the co-pilot, preventing further escalation. The aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia around 45 minutes after the confrontation, allowing Machchhar and others requiring assistance to receive medical attention.

Reflecting on the experience, Musaev said the passengers now share a strong bond after going through the frightening incident together. He expressed a desire to meet Machchhar again and described the people onboard as having become like a family. For the passengers, he said, the experience represented a turning point and gave them a renewed appreciation for life.

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