Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has described how he opened the cockpit door of a Flydubai aircraft to allow passengers to intervene and prevent the plane's uncontrolled descent after being attacked by his co-pilot.
During a video conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Capt Machchhar recounted the moment he realised the aircraft was losing altitude rapidly. Despite suffering injuries from the assault, he made the decision to push through the pain and force open the cockpit door from the inside.
I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside. Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.
The flight, operated by Flydubai and carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot's violent assault on the captain. According to media reports, 166 of those aboard were Israeli nationals.
Modi praised the captain's actions, saying
his courage, patience and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many peopleand noting that the entire country was proud of his heroism.
Capt Machchhar has also received recognition from Israeli leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as a
true herofor his actions during the crisis.
Medical condition and recovery
Following the emergency landing, Saudi airport operator Cluster2 reported that both the captain and first officer were injured and hospitalised in Tabuk. Machchhar was subsequently airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
The Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates confirmed on Thursday that Machchhar was
in good health and recovering well. Ambassador Deepak Mittal expressed his pride in the captain's bravery and said he was reassured after meeting with him.
Operational and security responses
Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the incident, with the airline stating it would review the suspension as additional information becomes available. No timeline for resuming service to Israeli destinations has been announced.
In response to the attack, Israel announced it would implement increased security checks on pilots flying into the country.
Investigation underway
Key facts
- Capt Smit Machchhar forced open the cockpit door while injured to allow passengers to intervene during the co-pilot's attack
- The Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carried 174 passengers, 166 of whom were Israeli
- The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots received medical treatment
- Flydubai has suspended Israel operations pending investigation completion
- Israel has announced enhanced pilot security screening procedures
