In a recent video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Smit Matkar, the pilot of the FlyDubai flight that was attacked on Wednesday, recounted the terrifying moments he experienced on board. The call was broadcast on television, marking Matkar's first public appearance since the incident. According to reports, Matkar was in a hospital in the UAE, receiving treatment after undergoing emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia.
During the video call, Matkar shared details of the attack, describing the severe injuries he sustained, which caused him to fall. With 11 years of flying experience, Matkar stated that even with his eyes closed, he knew what was happening on the plane. He recalled feeling the aircraft plummeting and the front of the plane tilting downward, aware that time was running out.
Matkar explained that he attempted to crawl and managed to open the door, allowing other passengers to intervene and overpower the attacker. The pilot praised the care he received in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, stating that he could not have received better medical attention. Modi expressed his admiration for Matkar during the call, saying that the entire nation was praying for his recovery.
Prior to the video call, reports emerged that Matkar had undergone emergency surgery in a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing. His family was en route to Dubai from Mumbai when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, the Omani co-pilot, who allegedly attacked Matkar, was also transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Omani co-pilot had undergone "extreme brainwashing," while a senior official stated that Israel was investigating the co-pilot's social media activity. Netanyahu's comments were made during an interview with Fox News.
The incident has sparked widespread attention, with many questions still unanswered. Israeli officials are working to determine the motives behind the attack and any potential connections to Iran. According to reports, Israel has requested that a team be sent to the UAE in the coming days to assist in the investigation.
The Egyptian media, along with international outlets, continues to follow the developments in the case, which has raised concerns about airline security and potential extremist threats. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation among nations to prevent such attacks.
Key points
- The FlyDubai pilot, Captain Smit Matkar, recounts his ordeal in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The incident has raised questions about airline security and potential extremist threats.
- Israeli officials are investigating the Omani co-pilot's social media activity and potential connections to Iran.
