‘I Had to Save Them’ – PM MODI Hails Brave FLYDUBAI Captain After Mid-Air Attack

By Joy Omagha Idam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery after he saved 174 lives on board, despite sustaining serious injuries in a violent mid-air cockpit attack.

Captain Machchhar, who is currently receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi, spoke with Prime Minister Modi on Friday from his hospital bed, where he narrated how he summoned his last strength to prevent a major air disaster.

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

According to the pilot’s account, he was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot during the flight and was left badly injured.

Recounting the ordeal to Modi, Machchhar said:

“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I could not let all those people die.”

WEEKENDERS gathered that while lying injured on the cockpit floor, Machchhar noticed the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. In what he described as his “last push,” he managed to force open the cockpit door to alert the cabin.

His action allowed passengers and cabin crew to rush into the cockpit and intervene, thereby averting what could have been a catastrophic crash, that bold act saved all passengers on board.

Two off-duty pilots who were on board as passengers also stepped in to assist in stabilizing the aircraft, while crew members and passengers helped restrain the alleged attacker.

The flight was immediately diverted to Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing after suffering a sharp loss of altitude.

The 17-year aviation veteran told the Prime Minister that his years of flying experience helped him recognize the danger of the sudden descent, even while he was in severe pain.

Prime Minister Modi, during the video call, praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind, noting that his quick decision saved the lives of everyone on board.

Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. He is currently recovering from injuries sustained during the attack.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have confirmed in a preliminary report that the co-pilot assaulted the captain, while investigations into the motive behind the confrontation are still ongoing.

The heroic act has continued to draw global commendation, with aviation stakeholders, world leaders and passengers praising the bravery of Captain Machchhar, the off-duty pilots, crew and passengers who worked together to bring the emergency under control.

Weekenders Magazine wishes the heroic pilot a speedy recovery.