FlyDubai Captain Describes Midair Struggle That Helped Save Flight
Cyberzenhub.com – FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar has described the moment he realized that surviving an attack inside the cockpit was inseparable from protecting everyone aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Speaking in Hindi during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recalled being badly injured as the aircraft lost altitude during the confrontation with his co-pilot on Wednesday. The aircraft descended thousands of feet before passengers and crew were able to enter the cockpit and help bring the emergency under control.
The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar later received treatment there before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.
A decision made while injured
Machchhar said he was on the cockpit floor during the assault when he sensed the aircraft’s dangerous descent. Even in that condition, he understood that the situation required immediate action.
“When I was lying on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was plunging and I said to myself while I was getting beaten, ‘This is the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there,’” Machchhar said.
He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other people on the flight to step in. Machchhar emphasized that the eventual rescue was a shared effort involving those who entered the cockpit after the door was opened.
“Somehow, I opened the door, and everyone came in and everyone else had an equal role in the rescue,” he said.
For Machchhar, the crisis was not solely about escaping the attack. He said the responsibility of operating an aircraft and safeguarding its occupants remained clear, even while he was wounded.
“I was trying to save myself, but I also knew that I can’t let anyone die.”
Experience in the cockpit
Machchhar has spent 17 years flying and has served as a captain for 11 years. He said that experience helped him interpret the aircraft’s condition despite the pain and confusion of the attack.
His remarks illustrated the intense demands placed on pilots during an in-flight emergency. A captain must assess aircraft movement, altitude and the wider safety risk in real time, often with limited information. In this case, Machchhar said he could understand what was happening to the plane even when he was unable to rely fully on sight.
“Even if I shut my eyes, I can tell what is happening inside a plane,” he said.
He also described the personal danger he faced after falling to the floor.
“I was fighting for my life in that moment,” Machchhar said. “It was a moment when I thought, because I had fallen on the floor, I was wounded and fell down.”
The diversion to Tabuk gave the flight a safe destination for an emergency landing. Such diversions are a crucial safety measure when a crew faces a medical, security or operational crisis that cannot be managed while continuing toward the original destination.
Modi praises captain’s response
During their conversation, Modi asked Machchhar about his health. The captain responded that he was doing well.
“I am fine and everything is all right,” Machchhar replied.
Modi told him that people across India were praying for his recovery and praised the split-second judgment that helped avert a larger disaster.
“You took a decision in a fraction of second and saved the lives of so many people,” Modi said.
The prime minister said Machchhar’s actions had prevented what he called “a great tragedy” and credited his courage, patience and presence of mind. Modi also stressed that the captain had continued to think about passengers despite suffering serious injuries.
“Today, the whole country can say this with pride: We Indians are not killers, we are life savers,” Modi said.
Modi said Machchhar had added to the honor of India’s 1.4 billion people.
“And the biggest thing is you enhanced the honor of 1.4 billion Indians and that is why I am feeling proud from my heart,” Modi said.
Machchhar told Modi that the prime minister was his “biggest idol” and said he was proud to receive the call.
Recovery continues in Abu Dhabi
Machchhar remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi following his initial treatment in Saudi Arabia. Modi said prayers and chants had been offered at temples and other holy places throughout India in hopes of his full recovery.
“Yesterday, prayers and chants were offered in all the temples and holy places, wishing for your long life, and we all are praying for your good health,” Modi said. “You are going to be in good health very soon and India is very eager to welcome you.”
The episode has drawn attention to the role of cockpit crews, cabin personnel and passengers during a rapidly unfolding aviation emergency. Machchhar’s account focused on a defining instinct: amid injury and danger, he believed the people on the aircraft could not be left unprotected.
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