Flydubai Captain Recounts Near-Fatal Incident, Receives Praise

Captain Smith Machchar, the Indian pilot who survived an attack on a Flydubai flight, is recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. He appeared on camera for the first time since the incident, speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Machchar described his injuries and the terrifying moments during the attack, stating, "I knew it was the last seconds. I crawled and opened the door." He expressed gratitude for the care he received in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Machchar recounted that he understood that if he didn't show courage, 170 passengers would lose their lives. Prime Minister Modi praised the captain's bravery, stating, "Your courage, composure, and calmness saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not people who take lives but people who are willing to risk their lives to save others." Machchar, visibly emotional, told Modi, "You are my idol." Reports from India indicate Machchar underwent emergency surgery in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after being stabbed by the co-pilot. The government of Gujarat announced it would honor the captain for his actions. Meanwhile, Israeli officials are investigating the co-pilot's motives, with initial claims by President Trump of an Iranian connection being examined. The UAE has expressed anger at Israel's premature conclusion that the co-pilot acted out of terrorism aimed at undermining the Abraham Accords, preferring a more cautious approach. Israeli officials believe the co-pilot likely acted alone, possibly motivated by extremist ideology or nationalism, rather than suicide. Israel has requested observer status in the investigations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, facing initial refusal from Riyadh but hoping for cooperation from Abu Dhabi.