Hero Pilot Recounts Near-Fatal Flight From UAE Hospital

Captain Smith Machchhar, the Indian pilot of the Flydubai flight that survived an attempted attack, appeared on television for the first time from a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. He spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assuring him that he was recovering well, though his bandaged hand was visible when he briefly raised it to wipe away a tear. Machchhar described the terrifying moments during the incident, stating, "I had so many injuries that I fell. I know, even with my eyes closed, what is happening on the plane. When I fell, I felt the plane was plunging (the nose going down), and I knew these were the last seconds. I tried to crawl. I opened the door, and everything else happened immediately after." He expressed gratitude for the care he received in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, calling it the best possible treatment. Machchhar also revealed his motivation, saying, "I understood that if I did not show courage, 170 passengers would lose their lives."

Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar's bravery, commending his courage, composure, and calmness, which he said saved many lives. "The country can proudly say that Indians are not people who take lives, but people willing to risk their lives to save others," Modi stated. Machchhar, visibly moved, responded to Modi, calling him his idol and expressing disbelief at the opportunity to speak with him. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Upendra Patel, also lauded the pilot for his "unwavering courage," stating his actions saved the passengers.

Machchhar, who was reportedly stabbed by the co-pilot, underwent emergency surgery in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the plane initially landed. His family traveled to Dubai from Mumbai. The government of Gujarat announced it would present the pilot with a commendation award. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have not yet identified any connection between the Omani co-pilot and Iran, despite a claim made by former President Trump. The co-pilot was also transferred to the UAE from Saudi Arabia. Israel has requested to send a team to the UAE to assist in the investigation, but this requires coordination. The UAE has reportedly conveyed concerns to Israel, particularly regarding Israel's conclusion that the co-pilot acted out of terror motives aimed at undermining the Abraham Accords, a conclusion reached before the investigation's completion. Israeli officials noted that the term "terror" is sensitive for the Emiratis, potentially indicating a lack of control, and they prefer a more cautious approach to attributing motives. Senior Israeli sources suggest the co-pilot likely acted alone, and following Prime Minister Netanyahu's public statement about the co-pilot undergoing "extreme Islamist brainwashing," Israel is examining his social media activity. The prevailing assessment in Israel is that the motive was nationalistic and religious, rather than a suicide attempt. Israel sought observer status in the investigations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE but was denied by Riyadh. Now, with the co-pilot in the UAE, Israel hopes to leverage its strong relationship with Abu Dhabi to gain involvement in the ongoing investigation.