{
  "id": 12358959,
  "title": "‘Don’t sleep please, we need you,’ dentist told flydubai pilot as he battled to save him",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/dont-sleep-please-we-need-you-dentist-told-flydubai-pilot-as-he-12358959",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T10:04:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/06/flydubai-pilot-israeli-dentist/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Shota Musaev, a dentist, played a crucial role in saving the life of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during a suspected terrorist attack on September 30. As the plane landed in Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was battling severe injuries, including deep cuts on his head and hands that were causing heavy bleeding. Musaev, along with other passengers and reserve pilots, took control of the aircraft and managed to thwart the attack. The dentist kept pressure on Machchhar's wounds using T-shirts and ice packets while monitoring his vital signs to keep him conscious. He constantly reassured Machchhar, telling him not to sleep, as it was essential for him to be awake to ensure everyone's safety. Musaev's quick actions and vigilance played a significant role in averting a potential catastrophe, as he and the other passengers worked together to stabilize the situation and ultimately save Machchhar's life.",
  "summary": "The dentist who helped save the life of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar said he feared time was running out when a group of passengers and reserve pilots took control of Flight FZ1073 and foiled a suspected terrorist attack. Dr Shota Musaev, 47, spoke to The National about the terrifying 45 minutes in which he struggled to control the blood gushing from stab wounds on Capt Machchhar’s head and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "‘Don’t sleep please, we need you,’ dentist told flydubai pilot as he battled to save him",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/dont-sleep-please-we-need-you-dentist-told-flydubai-pilot-as-he-12352173",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:04:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}