‘The last push, Smit’: FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar recounts harrowing cockpit attack

FlyDubai Captain Describes Fight to Regain Control During Midair Attack

Tyunews.com – FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar said he drew on every instinct developed over 17 years in aviation when he was attacked by his co-pilot during a Wednesday flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Speaking from a hospital in the United Arab Emirates during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar described realizing that his survival was inseparable from the safety of everyone on board. The aircraft dropped thousands of feet during the incident before passengers and crew were able to enter the cockpit and assist.

The flight was ultimately diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely in an emergency. Machchhar received initial treatment there before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for continuing medical care.

A Critical Moment in the Cockpit

Machchhar, who has served as a captain for 11 years, said he was seriously injured and on the cockpit floor during the assault. Even then, he understood the urgency created by the aircraft’s movement.

“When I was lying on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was plunging and I said to myself while I was getting beaten, ‘This is the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there,’” Machchhar said.

He managed to reach and open the cockpit door, creating the opportunity for others on the aircraft to step in. Machchhar emphasized that the intervention was a collective effort involving those who entered the cockpit after the door was opened.

“Somehow, I opened the door, and everyone came in and everyone else had an equal role in the rescue,” he said. “I was trying to save myself, but I also knew that I can’t let anyone die.”

His account illustrates the extreme pressure faced by flight crews when a disruption occurs at cruising altitude. A cockpit is the operational center of an aircraft, and preserving access, communication and control is essential when an emergency develops.

Experience Guided His Response

Machchhar said his years of flying helped him interpret the aircraft’s condition despite the injuries he sustained. For an experienced pilot, changes in sound, motion and aircraft behavior can provide immediate clues about what is happening, even when visibility or mobility is limited.

“I was fighting for my life in that moment,” Machchhar said.

He recalled falling after being wounded, but said his professional familiarity with flying remained with him throughout the attack.

“Even if I shut my eyes, I can tell what is happening inside a plane,” he said.

The emergency landing in Tabuk ended the immediate airborne danger. The diversion also allowed medical attention to begin promptly, followed by his transfer to Abu Dhabi as he continued recovering.

Modi Praises Captain’s Actions

During the call, Modi asked Machchhar about his condition. The captain responded that he was fine and that everything was all right, despite the severity of the attack and his ongoing recovery.

Modi told him that people throughout India had been praying for him and praised the decision-making that helped prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.

“You took a decision in a fraction of second and saved the lives of so many people,” Modi said.

The prime minister described Machchhar’s actions as having helped save hundreds of lives and avert “a great tragedy.” He highlighted not only the captain’s courage, but also his composure and his concern for passengers while he was personally in danger.

“Today, the whole country can say this with pride: We Indians are not killers, we are life savers,” Modi said.

Modi also said Machchhar had brought honor to India’s 1.4 billion people, framing the captain’s response as an example of responsibility under extraordinary pressure.

“And the biggest thing is you enhanced the honor of 1.4 billion Indians and that is why I am feeling proud from my heart,” Modi said.

Machchhar told Modi that the prime minister was his “biggest idol” and said he was proud to receive the call.

Recovery Continues

Machchhar’s treatment has continued after the emergency landing and his subsequent move to Abu Dhabi. Modi said prayers and chants for the pilot’s health had taken place at temples and other holy places across India.

“Yesterday, prayers and chants were offered in all the temples and holy places, wishing for your long life, and we all are praying for your good health,” Modi said. “You are going to be in good health very soon and India is very eager to welcome you.”

The incident has drawn attention to the split-second decisions required in aviation emergencies and to the role that cabin crew and passengers can play when a situation threatens the aircraft’s safe operation. Machchhar’s account makes clear that the outcome depended on his determination to reach the cockpit door, as well as the immediate response of those who came to his aid.