Indian airline captain hailed as hero after cockpit attack on FlyDubai flight
Capt. Smit Machchhar was seriously injured in Wednesday's attack. Passengers described how the pilot still managed to open the cockpit door to let them in.
In a remarkable display of courage, Captain Smit Machchhar averted a potential aviation disaster on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. Machchhar, who was targeted by his co-pilot, a fellow national, bravely opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Machchhar managed to safely divert the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, saving the lives of nearly 180 people on board.
Neighbors and friends of the pilot praised his actions, expressing pride and concern for his well-being. Machchhar's friend Akshay Doshi described his calmness and quick thinking, stating that he exhibited all the qualities required for a pilot. The Indian government also lauded Machchhar's presence of mind and determination under dangerous circumstances.
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- Hero flydubai pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar airlifted to UAE; Indian Ambassador visits him gulfnews.com
- ‘Matter of great pride’: Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar’s Neighbours, Friends Laud Him For Averting Aviation Disaster | VIDEO freepressjournal.in
- India’s UAE envoy visits family of Flydubai pilot injured in cockpit attack iol.co.za
- How Kenyan flight attendants tended to stabbed Flydubai pilot mid-flight standardmedia.co.ke
- FlyDubai passenger recounts cockpit chaos: "I hugged my two boys" cbsnews.com
