Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was hailed as a hero for his bravery during an attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai, has spoken about the dramatic events that unfolded on board. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Capt Machchhar said he was on the ground and still being attacked by his co-pilot when he realised the plane was sinking and he had to do something.
The plane, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia, plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey on Wednesday, before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and retook control to land safely. Machchhar was attacked by another pilot onboard, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing. The incident has been widely condemned, and an investigation is expected to be launched.
Capt Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door to allow passengers to come in and halt the plane's rapid descent. \"I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,\" he said. \"Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,\" he added.
Modi praised Capt Machchhar for his courage, patience, and quick decision-making, saying that it had saved the lives of many people on board. The Indian Prime Minister also expressed his pride in the captain's actions, saying that the whole country was proud of him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Capt Machchhar as a \"true hero\".
Capt Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in a stable condition. The Indian embassy in the UAE said Machchhar was \"in good health and recovering well\". Ambassador Deepak Mittal said he was \"proud of Capt Smit for his bravery\" and \"very reassured\" to meet him.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Capt Machchhar said he was not focusing on his injuries, but rather on his recovery. \"I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult,\" he said. \"I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time, but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.\"
The incident has raised concerns about air safety and security, and an investigation is expected to be launched into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Key points
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar opened the cockpit door during an attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai.
- The plane plunged over 17,000ft before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and retook control.
- Capt Machchhar was praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his bravery.
