{
  "id": 11113738,
  "title": "'As long as you walk out of the aircraft safely – that’s what I want': flydubai hero pilot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/as-long-as-you-walk-out-of-the-aircraft-safely-thats-what-i-want",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T04:51:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/01/as-long-as-you-walk-out-of-the-aircraft-safely-thats-what-i-want-flydubai-hero-pilot/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, hailed as a hero for his bravery in saving 174 passengers on flydubai Flight FZ1073, has previously spoken of his commitment to ensuring passenger safety. Described by passengers and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a true hero, the Indian captain opened the cockpit door to allow passengers and crew to overpower the assailant and stabilize the aircraft despite being stabbed. Videos showed the injured captain receiving medical attention from the crew on the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia. Capt Machchhar, who has been a captain with flydubai for four years, joined the airline after 11 years as a commander with SpiceJet. He has emphasized the critical nature of attention and the rigorous first-aid training provided to the crew, which can be life-saving. In an interview, Capt Machchhar spoke about the concentration required to land a plane, sharing experiences of challenging flights, including a difficult landing in Mykonos and dealing with wind shear. He recounted handling medical emergencies, a premature delivery, and a passenger suffering breathing difficulties, always prioritizing the safety of passengers to be the main concern. Capt Machchhar also shared insights on managing angry passengers, emphasizing the importance of keeping communication open and maintaining a reassuring presence. Describing the role of a pilot as \"blessed,\" he expressed humility and pride in his ability to make a difference in times of crisis.",
  "summary": "Smit Machchhar, the flydubai pilot hailed for his bravery in saving the lives of 174 passengers, has previously spoken of his pride in ensuring passengers are safe whenever he is in control of a plane. Passengers on the flydubai Flight FZ1073 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have described how, despite having been stabbed, the Indian captain opened the cockpit door to allow…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "'As long as you walk out of the aircraft safely – that’s what I want': flydubai hero pilot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/as-long-as-you-walk-out-of-the-aircraft-safely-thats-what-i-want-11115307",
        "published": "2026-10-01T04:51:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}