Indian Pilot Describes How He Opened Cockpit Door to Save Passengers During In‑Flight Attack

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door of the Israel‑bound Flydubai aircraft to let passengers inside and stop the plane’s rapid descent.

During a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Machchhar explained that he was on the floor, still under attack by his co‑pilot, when he noticed the aircraft losing altitude and knew he had to act.

“I was injured and lying on the floor, but I pushed myself to make one final effort to open the door from inside,” he said.

“Others entered and helped bring the situation under control. While I was fighting for my own life, I was determined not to let anyone else die,” he added.

Machchhar was assaulted by a fellow pilot aboard the Tel Aviv‑bound flight from Dubai, which forced the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia.

Two hours into the Wednesday flight, the aircraft dropped more than 17,000 feet (5,200 m) before passengers and crew subdued the attacker, regained control, and landed safely.

Prime Minister Modi told the captain that his courage, patience, and swift decision‑making had saved many lives, adding that the entire nation was proud of him.

The captain, also praised as a “true hero” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was first taken to a hospital in Tabuk, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

He was subsequently airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in stable condition.

On Thursday, the Indian embassy in the UAE said Machchhar was in good health and recovering well. Ambassador Deepak Mittal added that he was proud of Captain Smit’s bravery and felt reassured after meeting him.

“I don’t view this injury as just a wound, because thinking of it that way would make my recovery harder,” Machchhar said.

“I see it as a gradual journey that will take time, but I am confident I will recover fully and regain my health and fitness.”

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