Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, praising the Indian pilot’s courage and presence of mind after an alleged cockpit attack led to an in-flight emergency aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
During a video call from his hospital bed, Machchhar recounted how he struggled to regain access to the cockpit despite serious injuries after realising the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I could not let all those people die,” Machchhar told the Prime Minister.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 carrying 174 passengers.
According to the pilot’s account, a confrontation in the cockpit left him seriously injured, while the aircraft descended sharply before control was restored.
Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience enabled him to recognise the aircraft’s dangerous descent.
He described opening the cockpit door as his “last push”, allowing passengers and cabin crew to intervene and help restrain the alleged attacker.
Passengers and crew members assisted in bringing the situation under control, while two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight helped manage the aircraft. The flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Commending Machchhar’s actions, Modi said the pilot’s courage, patience and swift decision-making helped save lives and prevent a major tragedy.
The Prime Minister also conveyed the support and prayers of people across India as the pilot continues to recover in Abu Dhabi after receiving initial treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events that led to the alleged attack. No official findings have yet been released.
