{
  "id": 11417908,
  "title": "I fought to save passengers, says Flydubai pilot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-fought-to-save-passengers-says-flydubai-pilot",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:50:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/i-fought-to-save-passengers-says-flydubai-pilot/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot for Flydubai, recounted his experience fighting to regain control of the cockpit during a terrifying ordeal with his co-pilot. Machchhar, who was lying injured on the cockpit floor, realized the aircraft was rapidly descending and knew he had to make one final attempt to open the cockpit door. Despite being injured, Machchhar told himself to push for one last effort to open the door, ultimately succeeding with the help of others on board. The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the pilot attacked his co-pilot and attempted to crash the plane. Passengers quickly overpowered the attacker, allowing two reserve pilots and Machchhar to safely land the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The attacker, an Omani national, was reportedly radicalized and had repeatedly called for the crew to \"kill me\" after being subdued by passengers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar's courage and quick decision-making, stating that his actions saved many lives. The UAE is investigating the incident to determine if it was linked to terrorist activity.",
  "summary": "The Indian pilot of a Flydubai passenger aircraft has recounted how he fought to regain control of the cockpit after being attacked by his co-pilot, saying he was determined not to let other passengers die. Captain Smit Machchhar said he was lying injured on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft was rapidly descending Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Captain Smit Machchhar fought to regain control of cockpit during Flydubai flight FZ1073.",
    "Machchhar, injured, pushed to open cockpit door, succeeded with help on board.",
    "Passengers overpowered attacker, allowing safe landing at Tabuk Airport."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NDTV - India News",
        "title": "In Phone Call, Hero Pilot Tells PM Modi What Gave Him Courage During Attack",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/in-phone-call-hero-pilot-tells-pm-modi-what-gave-him-courage-during",
        "published": "2026-10-02T06:09:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Flydubai hero pilot tells Modi 'I could not let all those people die'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/flydubai-hero-pilot-tells-modi-i-could-not-let-all-those-people-die",
        "published": "2026-10-02T09:04:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "I fought to save passengers, says Flydubai pilot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-fought-to-save-passengers-says-flydubai-pilot-11421351",
        "published": "2026-10-02T11:08:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}