Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has spoken publicly for the first time about the terrifying moments inside the cockpit after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar recalled how he was seriously injured but still managed to make one final attempt to open the cockpit door. His decision allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and help restrain the attacker, while other pilots eventually took control of the aircraft.
During the emotional video call, Modi praised Machchhar for his courage, quick thinking and presence of mind and wished him a speedy recovery.
‘I could not let all those people die’
Machchhar told Modi that he had suffered multiple injuries and had collapsed inside the cockpit. But as he realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, he knew he had to do something.
“I was fighting for my life,” he told the Prime Minister.
The captain explained that even after collapsing, he realised that if he did not get up, the passengers could lose their lives. He saw the cockpit door nearby and made what he described as his “last push” to open it.
Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the door. Passengers and crew then rushed inside and intervened.
The aircraft suddenly plunged thousands of feet
The incident took place on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The Boeing 737 was carrying more than 170 people when the cockpit confrontation began.
The aircraft went into a steep descent and lost around 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, according to Reuters. The plane was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Two other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped take control of the cockpit after passengers and crew intervened.
The aircraft eventually landed safely, preventing what could have been a major aviation disaster.
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Machchhar turned to the Hanuman Chalisa
During his conversation with Modi, Machchhar also spoke about how he relied on his faith during the frightening ordeal.
He said he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting to stay calm and survive the attack.
Machchhar became emotional while remembering the incident and said he believed that God had helped him through the terrifying moments.
The pilot has around 17 years of aviation experience, including about 11 years as a captain. Before joining Flydubai, he worked with SpiceJet and accumulated thousands of hours of flying experience.
What happened inside the cockpit?
According to initial investigations and reports, Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. Saudi authorities said initial findings indicated that the co-pilot assaulted the captain before the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk. The co-pilot was subsequently handed over to UAE authorities as the investigation continued.
The motive remains under investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances of the attack and whether it involved any terrorist intent. Some claims about the suspected attacker’s background and motive have been made by Israeli officials and other sources, but those allegations have not been established as final findings.
PM Modi praises Machchhar’s courage
Modi told the captain that his actions had helped prevent a major tragedy and praised his presence of mind at a moment when his own life was in danger.
For Machchhar, however, the focus appeared to remain on the people inside the aircraft. Despite his injuries, he understood that the plane was descending and that he had to find a way to get help.
His decision to open the cockpit door became a crucial moment in the incident. Once passengers and crew entered, they were able to intervene, while other pilots helped bring the aircraft under control.
Captain Smit Machchhar is now recovering in hospital. His emotional conversation with Modi has also given the public a first-hand account of what happened during one of the most frightening moments of his flying career.
