Omanghana
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a violent cockpit attack aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Speaking by video call from a hospital in Abu Dhabi on Friday, October 2, the injured pilot described how he opened the cockpit door after allegedly being stabbed by his co-pilot, allowing others to intervene as the aircraft descended sharply.
Machchhar said he had collapsed on the cockpit floor but could sense that the plane was losing altitude. Drawing on 17 years of flying experience, he recognised the danger and pushed himself to reach the door despite his injuries.
He recalled that the attack continued as he struggled to let help into the cockpit. His action allowed passengers and crew to enter and confront the alleged attacker.
A second pair of Flydubai pilots travelling on board subsequently took control and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that the jet, carrying 174 people, had plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during Wednesday’s incident.
During the emotional conversation, Machchhar also described turning to his faith for strength. He said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional prayer, while struggling to survive and protect those aboard.
Modi commended the captain’s composure and quick thinking, saying his actions had saved lives and made India proud. He also assured Machchhar that people across the country were praying for his recovery.
The captain, whose head was wrapped in bandages, expressed confidence that he would recover, while acknowledging that healing would take time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Machchhar and the passengers who intervened. The circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack remain under investigation.
Source: Omanghana
