Captain Smit Machchhar has revealed new details of the dramatic flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, describing how he managed to open the cockpit door while seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call from hospital, Machchhar said he was lying on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
“I was lying on the floor, injured, but I told myself to make one last attempt to open the door from inside,” he said.
Once the door was opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker, allowing a backup crew to regain control of the aircraft.
Aircraft lost more than 17,000 feet
The flight, carrying 174 people, experienced a sharp descent during the incident before being diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Reuters reported that the aircraft lost almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other reports have described a total altitude loss of more than 17,000 feet during the episode.
Machchhar said he was fighting for his own life but knew he had to act to prevent the passengers from being killed.
“I was fighting for my life, but at the same time I knew I would not let the others die,” he said.
Modi praises pilot’s actions
Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, composure and quick decision-making during the crisis.
The pilot became emotional while recounting the incident and said he was confident he would recover and return to good physical health.
Machchhar also told Modi that he repeatedly recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal, saying the prayer gave him strength.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar as a “true hero”, saying his actions helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster and saved the lives of the 174 people aboard the flight.
Machchhar recovering in Abu Dhabi
Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia before being transferred by air to Abu Dhabi.
India’s embassy in the UAE said he was recovering well and receiving medical care.
The co-pilot was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia. Authorities are investigating the incident and the motive remains unclear.
The flight’s emergency diversion followed an attack in which Machchhar was seriously injured, with the aircraft eventually brought under control by other crew members and landed safely in Tabuk.
#WATCH | Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar turns emotional as he recounts his ordeal before PM Modi; he says, "You are my biggest idol. I feel proud of the way you are encouraging me today. I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act. At the time, I told… pic.twitter.com/eqGloeCTSl
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
Also read: Flydubai: Dramatic flight’s co-pilot screamed ‘Kill me’
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