{
  "id": 11388468,
  "title": "I wasn't going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-wasnt-going-to-let-others-die-says-indian-pilot-who-opened-cockpit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T07:42:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC World",
    "slug": "bbc-world",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c639m98gde00o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has opened the cockpit door of a Flydubai plane to allow passengers to gain control during an attack, saving many lives as the plane plummeted over 17,000 feet. Captured on video, Machchhar recounted his ordeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he feared for others' lives when he decided to take action. The co-pilot had severely injured Machchhar on the ground, but he persevered, opening the door just as passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and regained control of the plane. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's courage and quick thinking, describing him as a \"true hero.\" Currently recovering in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar expressed gratitude for his resilience, stating he views his injuries not as obstacles but as part of his ongoing healing journey.",
  "summary": "Capt Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during the flight, speaks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.",
  "key_points": [
    "Indian pilot Smit Machchhar opened cockpit door during attack",
    "Passengers regained control, saving many lives",
    "Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's heroism"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "Flydubai hijack attempt: Indian pilot Smit Machchhar hailed as ‘true hero’; friend says ‘He’s taught us courage’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/flydubai-hijack-attempt-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-hailed-as-true",
        "published": "2026-10-02T04:50:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "Govt to deliberate on advisory for Indian airlines after flydubai cockpit stabbing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/govt-to-deliberate-on-advisory-for-indian-airlines-after-flydubai",
        "published": "2026-10-02T06:20:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "‘I was fighting for my life’: Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls FlyDubai cockpit attack",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-was-fighting-for-my-life-indian-pilot-hailed-as-hero-recalls",
        "published": "2026-10-02T07:49:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "‘I was fighting for my life’: Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls flydubai cockpit attack",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-was-fighting-for-my-life-indian-pilot-hailed-as-hero-recalls-11399093",
        "published": "2026-10-02T08:31:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "‘I was fighting for my life’: Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls flydubai cockpit attack",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-was-fighting-for-my-life-indian-pilot-hailed-as-hero-recalls-11399112",
        "published": "2026-10-02T08:31:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}