Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has spoken publicly for the first time since a terrifying mid-air attack that left him seriously injured and triggered a suspected hijacking attempt aboard a flight bound for Tel Aviv.
Speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video call on Friday, Machchhar described the moments when he was fighting for his life inside the cockpit. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he said he realized he had to get back up because the aircraft was going down and the passengers were depending on him.
“I was fighting for my life,” Machchhar said, explaining that he had fallen to the cockpit floor and wondered whether he would be able to get back up. He ultimately summoned enough strength to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the attacker.
Machchhar said his motivation went beyond his own survival. “I couldn’t let everybody else die,” he told Modi, acknowledging that the passengers and other crew members also played a crucial role in preventing a catastrophe.
The incident occurred Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The captain was attacked by his co-pilot, and the aircraft subsequently entered a steep descent. Passengers rushed toward the cockpit after the door was opened and helped subdue the attacker.
With the situation inside the cockpit brought under control, passengers and reserve crew members helped stabilize the aircraft. The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar was later transferred to the United Arab Emirates for continued medical care.
During his conversation with Modi, Machchhar also spoke about relying on his faith during the ordeal. He said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa while injured and believed that God helped him through the critical moments.
Machchhar remains focused on recovery and said he is confident he will eventually return to good health. His account has added a deeply personal perspective to an incident that could have ended in tragedy.
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, including the motive behind the co-pilot’s actions and whether the incident involved terrorism. The investigation remains ongoing.
