Indian Pilot Opens Cockpit Door During Attack, Saves Lives
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I wasn't going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack
Image source:
Narendra Modi
By Vikas Pandey
Reporting from Delhi, 2 October 2026, 08:07 BST
Updated 4 minutes ago
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has revealed he opened the cockpit door of an Israel-bound Flydubai plane during a desperate attack to allow passengers to enter and stop its rapid descent.
In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Capt Machchhar explained that while he was on the ground and still being attacked by his co-pilot, he realized the plane was sinking and he had to act.
"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 calming the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time, I knew I wasn't going to let others die."
Machchhar was attacked by another pilot on board a flight bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai, forcing the plane to divert to Saudi Arabia. The plane plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and successfully landed.
Modi praised Capt Machchhar's courage:
"Your courage, patience, and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many people," Modi told the captain. "The whole country is proud of you."
Capt Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. He was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi where he is reported to be in stable condition.
The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed on Thursday that Capt Machchhar was "in good health and recovering well". Ambassador Deepak Mittal expressed pride in Capt Smit's bravery and said he was reassured to meet him.
"I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult," Machchhar 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."