Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was stabbed by his copilot during a FlyDubai flight, has described the harrowing struggle to save the 182 people on board. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, released by the prime minister's office on Friday, Machchhar said he was “fighting for my life” as the aircraft began to lose altitude.
Speaking in Hindi, Machchhar recounted the moment he realized the plane was descending. “When I was on the ground, I realized that the aircraft is going down,” he said, according to a translated transcript from The Associated Press. “And I told myself, ‘This is the last push, Smit. The door is right there.’ And I was still getting hit, but I opened the door. And everyone else who helped was just as incremental to this effort.”
The attack occurred on a flight that was en route to Tel Aviv, Israel, but was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing after the aircraft plunged thousands of feet. The copilot, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia and is being interrogated there, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though authorities are investigating.
Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar in a social media post, calling his actions “the highest form of courage.” He wrote, “Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening. 140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being.” The incident has drawn international attention, with many drawing parallels to the Netanyahu's comments on the copilot's alleged intent.
Machchhar, who has been flying for 17 years, was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk for initial treatment before being transported to Abu Dhabi for “continued medical attention and recovery,” according to Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Jaiswal also expressed gratitude for the global support, stating, “We once again salute Captain Smit Machchhar’s valour and courage. We also convey our deep appreciation for the admiration and support he has received from across the world for his act of gallantry.”
The swift actions of Machchhar and other crew members have been widely credited with preventing a potential disaster. The incident has also raised questions about cockpit security and the screening of airline personnel. As investigations continue, the aviation community is closely watching the developments. This incident comes amid heightened concerns about aviation security, with recent reports of AI being used to thwart other attacks.
The bravery of Captain Machchhar has been hailed as a testament to the professionalism of pilots worldwide. His recovery in Abu Dhabi is being closely monitored by Indian officials, who have assured that all necessary support will be provided. The case has also sparked discussions about the psychological screening of flight crew, a topic that may gain traction in the coming weeks.
As the world watches, the story of Captain Machchhar serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in the skies, and the heroism that can emerge in the face of such threats. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities piece together the events leading up to the incident.
