Indian pilot opens cockpit to thwart assault, averts disaster
Capt. Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he opened the cockpit door of a Flydubai jet bound for Israel after being attacked by his co‑pilot and the aircraft began a dangerous descent.
The pilot, who was on the ground at the time of the assault, was injured and on the floor when he realized the plane was sinking. With a last burst of willpower he forced open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to help wrestle control of the flight.
Prime Minister Modi praised his courage, patience and quick decision‑making, saying it "save[d] the lives of so many people" and made the nation proud.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Machchhar as a "true hero." The pilot was first taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is now reported to be in stable condition.
The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed that Machchhar is in good health and recovering well. Ambassador Deepak Mittal stated he was proud of the captain and reassured to have met him.
This incident, which forced the flight to divert to Saudi Arabia, underscores the critical importance of crew readiness and quick decision‑making in aviation safety.
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