I wasn’t going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack
Indian Pilot Says: “I Wasn t Going to Let Others Die” During Flight Attack
Ninoda.com – “I wasn t going to let others die,” Indian pilot Smit Machchhar said as he recalled the moment he opened the cockpit door during a violent attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. Injured and on the floor of the cockpit, he made one last effort to let others enter and help stop the aircraft’s rapid descent.
The plane had left Dubai for Tel Aviv when another pilot attacked Captain Machchhar. He later told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the danger intensified when he realised the aircraft was losing altitude quickly.
“I was injured and on the floor, but I decided I had to make one final effort to unlock the door from the inside,” Machchhar said.
Aircraft dropped more than 17,000ft
The emergency unfolded around two hours after the Flydubai aircraft departed Dubai on Wednesday. During the attack, the plane fell by more than 17,000ft, or about 5,200m, before the attacker was restrained and control of the flight was restored.
Machchhar said his decision was motivated by the need to protect everyone on board. “I wasn t going to let” the situation end with other passengers and crew members dying, he said, even though he was also fighting for his own survival.
“I was trying to save myself too, but I also knew I could not allow other people to die,” he said.
Once the cockpit door was opened, passengers and crew were able to enter and assist in bringing the crisis under control. Their intervention was crucial as the aircraft’s altitude, direction and speed all required urgent attention.
Flight diverted safely to Saudi Arabia
The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk, in the north-west of the country. The diversion gave the aircraft a secure place to land after the serious onboard attack and sharp loss of altitude.
Captain Machchhar’s account shows how rapidly a mid-air emergency can escalate. He was injured, the aircraft was descending and the cockpit remained central to restoring the flight’s stability. His effort to unlock the door gave others the chance to help at a critical moment.
For those travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, the diversion followed an extraordinary and frightening sequence of events. The eventual landing brought the immediate danger to an end for everyone on board.
Leaders praise captain’s actions
Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar during their video call, saying his bravery, calmness and quick decisions had saved lives. The Indian leader said the country was proud of the captain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called Machchhar a “true hero”. The praise reflected both the seriousness of the incident and the outcome after the aircraft was safely brought down in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar acknowledged that the response was not his alone. After he opened the cockpit door, passengers and crew members played an important role in overpowering the attacker and helping regain control of the aircraft.
Captain recovering after hospital treatment
After landing in Tabuk, Machchhar was taken to a local hospital before being flown to Abu Dhabi for further treatment. India’s embassy in the UAE said on Thursday that he was in good health and recovering well.
Indian ambassador Deepak Mittal said he was proud of the captain’s courage and reassured after meeting him. Machchhar has described his recovery as a gradual process requiring patience and time.
“I do not see this injury simply as an injury, because that would make the recovery harder,” Machchhar said. “I see it as a journey that is progressing slowly and will take time, but I am confident I will recover and become fit and healthy again.”
His determination during the attack has become central to the account of the incident. “I wasn t going to let” others die, he said, and his final effort to open the cockpit door helped create the opportunity for the aircraft to be stabilised and diverted safely.
FAQ: Flydubai flight emergency
Where did the Flydubai flight land?
The aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia.
How far did the aircraft descend?
The plane dropped by more than 17,000ft, which is approximately 5,200m, before control was restored.
What happened to Captain Smit Machchhar?
He was injured during the attack, treated first in Tabuk and then flown to Abu Dhabi for further care. India’s embassy said he was recovering well.