Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls Flydubai cockpit attack
The Indian airline captain who helped thwart an apparent attempt to crash a Flydubai flight described on Friday how he fought for his life in the minutes after his co-pilot stabbed him and the plane began a steep descent. Captain Smit Machchhar, recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised video call that he knew he had to get back on his feet to…
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has recounted his harrowing experience of opening the cockpit door of an Israel-bound Flydubai plane he was attacked on. In a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar explained that he was on the ground and still under attack by his co-pilot when he realized the plane was rapidly descending.
Determined to save lives, he managed to open the door from inside, allowing passengers to enter and assist in stabilizing the situation. Machchhar emphasized that he was fighting for his own life as well, but he knew he couldn't let others perish. The plane was ultimately forced to divert to Saudi Arabia after the attack. Prime Minister Modi commended Machchhar's bravery, stating that his decision-making and quick actions saved numerous lives and brought pride to the entire country.
The Indian embassy in the UAE reported that Machchhar is in good health and recovering well after being initially treated in a Tabuk hospital before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi. The Indian Embassy in the UAE expressed pride in Machchhar's bravery and reassurance in meeting him.
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- Dubai-Tel Aviv flight: Indian pilot reveals how he saved passengers after attack dailypost.ng
- Indian flydubai pilot who opened cockpit door shares story with Prime Minister Narendra Modi jpost.com
- I opened cockpit door of plane while being attacked, Indian pilot tells Modi bbc.co.uk
- Indian pilot tells PM Modi he opened flydubai cockpit door during attack al-monitor.com
- Indian Pilot Stabbed on FlyDubai Flight Recalls Sudden Attack nytimes.com
- FlyDubai pilot tells his survival story in emotional call with Indian leader cbsnews.com
- PM Modi speaks to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who was stabbed on flydubai plane hindustantimes.com
