‘I thought I’m going to die’: Indian Flydubai captain tells Netanyahu what he did next

Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar recounted his harrowing ordeal on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Captain Machchhar, who has been flying for 17 years, described how he found himself on the floor of the cockpit, unable to see clearly, and with the plane rapidly descending. He explained that he had one final task: to reach the cockpit door and ensure it was secured.

In a video call with Netanyahu, Machchhar said he felt a sudden, powerful blow to his back of the head, which had completely obscured his vision. As the plane continued to plummet, he realized that he had to try opening the door once more. He stated, "I thought I'm going to die and that's when I pushed against everything." When the door swung open again, he saw people waiting outside, who rushed in and overpowered the co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, restoring control of the aircraft.

The Boeing 737 Max was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israelis. After landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu invited Machchhar and the co-pilot to light the celebratory flame on Israel's next Independence Day. The Indian pilot, now recovering in the UAE, has been moved for treatment. Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are investigating the incident, its motive, and whether it was planned or linked to terrorism.