In brief
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, flying a Flydubai jet bound for Tel Aviv, reportedly opened the cockpit door amid an on‑board assault to halt a dangerous descent. In a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he described being on the ground, injured, and fighting for his life while trying not to let others die. Modi praised his bravery, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a "true hero." The pilot was taken to a Saudi hospital before air‑lift to Abu Dhabi, where he is now stable. The incident underlines the critical role of crew readiness in aviation safety.
Capt. Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he opened the cockpit door of a Flydubai jet bound for Israel after being attacked by his co‑pilot and the aircraft began a dangerous descent.
The pilot, who was on the ground at the time of the assault, was injured and on the floor when he realized the plane was sinking. With a last burst of willpower he forced open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to help wrestle control of the flight.
Prime Minister Modi praised his courage, patience and quick decision‑making, saying it "save[d] the lives of so many people" and made the nation proud.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Machchhar as a "true hero." The pilot was first taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is now reported to be in stable condition.
The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed that Machchhar is in good health and recovering well. Ambassador Deepak Mittal stated he was proud of the captain and reassured to have met him.
This incident, which forced the flight to divert to Saudi Arabia, underscores the critical importance of crew readiness and quick decision‑making in aviation safety.
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