I wasn’t going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar opened the cockpit door of a Flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv during an attack, allowing passengers to come in and stop the rapid descent. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recounted how he was injured on the ground but still fought to save lives. "I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he said.

"Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die." The plane had been attacked by another pilot, forcing the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia. Machchhar's heroic actions led to passengers and crew overpowering the attacker and reasserting control, enabling a safe landing.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar's courage, patience, and quick decision-making, calling him a "true hero" and expressing the nation's pride in his actions. The captain was initially hospitalized in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in stable condition. The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed Machchhar was "in good health and recovering well," praising his bravery and expressing reassurance about his recovery.

Machchhar himself emphasized the importance of focusing on the healing process rather than dwelling on his injuries, expressing confidence in his eventual return to full health.