Heroic Flydubai Pilot Recounts Daring Mid-Air Rescue to Indian PM

The captain of a Flydubai flight who thwarted an attempted hijacking by his co-pilot has spoken for the first time about the harrowing incident. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, described how he fought off his co-pilot, who originated from Oman, after being stabbed in the cockpit. Machchhar managed to alert authorities and prevent a catastrophe that would have endangered the 174 passengers and crew aboard the flight from the UAE to Israel.

Two days after the event, Machchhar, who was transferred from Saudi Arabia to a hospital in the UAE, spoke via video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act," Machchhar recounted to Modi, expressing deep admiration for the Prime Minister. "You are my biggest idol. I feel proud of the way you are encouraging me today." He also shared that he recited a Hindu prayer, the 'Hanuman Chalisa,' during the ordeal.

Machchhar, a captain with 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as captain, explained how he felt the plane plummeting while he lay on the floor after being attacked. "I knew at that moment, one last effort, Smit! Just do it," he recalled thinking, as he struggled to open the cockpit door while still being assaulted. He managed to open the door, allowing others to enter and secure the situation.

"I did it for my life, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let everyone else die," Machchhar stated, emphasizing his heroic actions. The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, met with Machchhar and his family at the hospital, reporting that the captain's condition has stabilized. Mittal described Machchhar as a "brave son of India" and confirmed he is receiving excellent medical care.