By Gabriel Ameh
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and quick decision-making after a violent cockpit incident left him seriously injured during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar spoke with Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi on Friday, recounting how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries after realising that 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 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Machchhar’s account, he was attacked by his co-pilot during the flight and suffered serious injuries. While lying injured, he realised the aircraft was descending rapidly and knew he had to act.
With what he described as his “last push”, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and intervene.
Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft also helped manage the emergency, while passengers and crew assisted in restraining the alleged attacker.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Reports indicate that the aircraft had experienced a sharp loss of altitude during the incident.
Machchhar, who has 17 years of aviation experience, said his experience helped him recognise the seriousness of the aircraft’s descent even while he was badly injured.
Speaking during the video call, Modi commended the captain’s courage, patience and quick response, saying his actions helped avert a potentially serious tragedy.
Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. He is recovering from the injuries sustained during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation are still being investigated. Saudi authorities have said their preliminary investigation found that the co-pilot assaulted the captain, while further inquiries into the incident and its motive remain ongoing.
The incident has drawn international attention, with leaders and officials praising the actions of the captain, passengers and crew members who helped bring the emergency under control.
