Flydubai Pilot Recounts Daring Fight to Prevent Hijacking

The captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, Samit Machhar, has described for the first time his struggle in the cockpit during an attempted hijacking. Machhar, an Indian citizen still hospitalized, recounted the events in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was broadcast in India. According to reports, on Wednesday, the co-pilot allegedly drew a knife and stabbed Captain Machhar, causing the Boeing aircraft to dive thousands of meters en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machhar told Modi, "I fought for my life." He explained that his 17 years of experience, including 11 as a captain, allowed him to understand the situation even after being severely injured and collapsing to the floor. "When I fell to the floor, I felt the plane was diving downwards," he said. "I knew if I made just one last effort, the door was right there." Despite sustaining further blows, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene and neutralize the attacker. Machhar emphasized that it was a team effort, stating, "Everyone had an equal part in it." He added, "I did it for my life, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let everyone else die." The flight carried 174 passengers and crew members. Prime Minister Modi praised Machhar's courage and composure, noting his ability to send distress signals and open the door. During the call, Machhar became emotional, and Modi comforted him. Machhar also commended the medical care he received following the emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence in a full recovery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also lauded Machhar as a "true hero" on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging his extraordinary bravery in fighting back after being stabbed and wounded, thereby preventing a catastrophic aerial disaster.