‘Told myself, this will be last push’: Smit Machchhar to PM on flydubai cockpit fight

In a harrowing incident that has captivated the world, Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of a FlyDubai flight, bravely confronted his co-pilot who attempted to crash the aircraft mid-flight. The fight took place during the descent of the plane, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 170 passengers on board. Captain Machchhar, who was severely wounded, managed to open the cockpit door and the passengers overpowered the attacker, preventing a potential catastrophe.

Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call from the hospital in Abu Dhabi, Captain Machchhar recounted his thoughts during the ordeal. He admitted to feeling a mix of fear and determination, telling himself "this will be the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there" as he took decisive action to save lives.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Captain Machchhar's bravery, stating that he had "saved 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals". Indian Prime Minister Modi offered his heartfelt commendations, describing the pilot's actions as an exemplification of the nation's values of non-violence and selflessness.