New Delhi, Oct 2: Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has recounted the terrifying mid-air incident in which he was attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot while flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call from a hospital in the UAE, Machchhar said that despite fighting for his own life, his main concern was to protect the passengers on board.
“I was fighting for my life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” Machchhar told the Prime Minister.
Flydubai Pilot Recounts Mid-Air Attack
Machchhar said he suffered several injuries after being attacked inside the cockpit. Despite being badly injured, he realised that the aircraft was losing altitude and forced himself to act.
He said he pushed himself to open the cockpit door and take action to prevent a major tragedy.
“I had so many injuries. I was beaten but I told myself that I have to get up and act,” he said.
Machchhar also acknowledged the role played by others in helping bring the situation under control.
The Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, issued emergency signals on Wednesday and descended sharply by more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar Says He Recites Hanuman Chalisa
During his conversation with PM Modi, Machchhar said that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa whenever he faces difficult situations.
“I am away from the country, not from our culture,” the pilot told Modi when the Prime Minister appreciated his faith and cultural connection.
Modi said that special prayers had been offered at temples across India for Machchhar’s speedy recovery. He also said that many people were reciting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for the pilot.
“You are a brave man. India is waiting to welcome you,” Modi told Machchhar.
PM Modi Praises Pilot’s Courage
Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar for his courage, presence of mind and composure during the emergency.
Modi said the pilot had to make a critical decision within seconds and that his actions helped protect the lives of many people on board.
He also praised the Indian pilot for prioritising passenger safety despite suffering serious injuries.
“Today is Gandhi Jayanti. You have shown the world what the true meaning of ‘Ahimsa’ is,” Modi told Machchhar.
The Prime Minister also said that Machchhar’s actions had brought pride to India and highlighted the courage of the country’s pilots.
Pilot Has 17 Years of Flying Experience
Machchhar told Modi that he has been flying aircraft for 17 years, including 11 years as a captain.
The Mumbai-born pilot became emotional during the conversation and described the call with the Prime Minister as a special moment.
Machchhar said Modi was his biggest idol and that he felt extremely proud to receive the call.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, saying that she had raised him with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Flydubai Flight Diverted to Saudi Arabia
The Flydubai Boeing flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the emergency unfolded.
According to accounts of the incident, the aircraft began descending sharply after an emergency was declared. A passenger and a crew member reportedly managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the co-pilot after the attack.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised the Indian pilot’s actions, saying that his courage helped avert a major tragedy.
Modi Thanks Saudi Arabia and UAE
During the call, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing assistance and medical care to Machchhar.
The pilot said he was receiving the best possible treatment at the hospital and expressed confidence that he would make a full recovery.
Modi later shared details of the conversation on social media, describing it as an “unforgettable conversation” filled with pride and emotion.
The Prime Minister had earlier described Machchhar as a hero and praised his courage in the face of extreme danger.
The pilot’s recovery is now being closely watched in India, while authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the Flydubai FZ1073 incident.
