Indian Pilot Recounts Terrifying Mid-Air Attack, Praises PM Modi

Smit Machchhar, the pilot of Flydubai Flight 1073 to Tel Aviv, has spoken for the first time about the terrifying incident in which he was attacked by his co-pilot. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar described how he was stabbed and beaten but managed to force open the cockpit door. This action allowed other passengers and crew members to intervene, subdue the attacker, and safely land the plane in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, who has been flying for 17 years and a captain for 11, recounted feeling the plane dive rapidly while he was on the floor after being injured. He told Modi, "I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act. At that time, I told myself, one last effort, Smit! Just do it. The door is right there." He added, "And even at that time, he continued to hit me. And then I just opened it... and then everyone came in. I did it for my life, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let everyone else die."

During the emotional conversation, Machchhar, who lives in Dubai and joined Flydubai in June 2022, expressed his admiration for Modi, calling him his "biggest idol" and feeling proud of the prime minister's encouragement. He shared that he recited a Hindu prayer, the "Hanuman Chalisa," during the ordeal to cope with the pain. Tzvika Mans, CEO of Barak Leumi Underwriting Company and an Israeli passenger who assisted during the incident, was seen with Machchhar in footage, stating, "We are taking care of the pilot here to keep him alive." Other passengers were heard praising Machchhar for saving the plane.

Following the landing in Saudi Arabia, Machchhar received medical treatment and was later transferred to the UAE. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, met Machchhar in the hospital and reported that the pilot's condition is stable and he is recovering well. Mittal described Machchhar as "India's brave son."