Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar reveals how he fought to save passengers
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recalls the Flydubai cockpit attack, his fight to save passengers, recovery in Abu Dhabi, and praise from PM Narendra Modi.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot injured during the cockpit attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, has revealed how he fought to get back on his feet after being stabbed by his co-pilot while the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Machchhar said he understood that the aircraft was going down even after he had fallen to the cockpit floor.
He said his injuries were severe, but he knew that remaining down could put the lives of everyone aboard the aircraft at risk.
“I was fighting for my life,” Machchhar told Modi.
Pilot Felt the Aircraft Plunging
The incident occurred Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Reuters, the Boeing 737 was carrying 174 people when the cockpit attack occurred. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the emergency.
Machchhar said his aviation experience allowed him to understand what was happening even when he was lying injured.
“I can sense exactly what is happening with the aircraft even with my eyes closed,” he said during his conversation with Modi.
The captain realized that the aircraft was descending rapidly and that he needed to act.
He eventually managed to get up and open the cockpit door, creating an opportunity for passengers and crew members to intervene.
Passengers Entered the Cockpit
Once the cockpit door was opened, passengers moved inside and helped restrain the attacker.
The intervention allowed other pilots aboard the aircraft to take control and stabilize the aircraft.
The plane was then diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.
The incident ended without the reported loss of life among those aboard the aircraft, although Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the attack.
Machchhar's 17 Years of Aviation Experience
Machchhar said his years of flying helped him recognize the danger immediately.
He has around 17 years of aviation experience and previously worked for Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet before joining Flydubai.
According to reports, Machchhar spent about 11 years at SpiceJet, where he served in senior flying and training roles, before moving to Flydubai approximately four years ago.
His experience became crucial during the emergency because he could recognize the aircraft's movement even while injured.
'Lord Hanuman Gave Me Courage'
During the emotional conversation with Modi, Machchhar also spoke about how prayer helped him during the attack.
He said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional prayer dedicated to Lord Hanuman, while struggling to respond to the emergency.
“Lord Hanuman gave me courage,” Machchhar told Modi.
He also described his injuries as part of a difficult journey rather than something that would define his future.
“I am feeling very proud right now,” he said, adding that he was confident he would recover.
What Happened to the Co-Pilot?
The alleged attacker was identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national.
Saudi authorities arrested him after the aircraft landed in Tabuk and began questioning him.
The motive behind the attack has not been conclusively established.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that an initial investigation suggested the attacker had undergone what he described as “Islamic radical indoctrination.” Netanyahu also said Israel would cooperate with the United Arab Emirates on the investigation.
Those claims remain part of an ongoing investigation, and authorities have not publicly established a final motive or confirmed any wider organizational connection.
Why the Incident Raises Aviation Security Questions
The Flydubai incident has highlighted a different kind of aviation-security challenge.
Commercial aircraft have reinforced cockpit doors and strict procedures designed to prevent unauthorized access. However, the situation aboard FZ1073 was different because the alleged threat came from a member of the flight crew.
That raises questions about how airlines can respond when an emergency originates inside the cockpit itself.
The incident could lead to renewed discussion about crew screening, cockpit procedures, emergency training and the handling of potential insider threats.
Any changes to aviation procedures would depend on the findings of the investigation.
Pilot Recovering in Abu Dhabi
Machchhar is now recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
His conversation with Modi provided the clearest public account so far of what he experienced during the attack.
Modi praised the captain for his actions and said his courage and presence of mind helped prevent a major tragedy.
Machchhar's response also highlighted the role of other people aboard the aircraft, particularly the passengers and crew members who entered the cockpit after the door was opened.
