Capt. Smit Machchhar, the FlyDubai pilot who survived a mid-air stabbing by his co-pilot, described fighting for his life during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing his faith and the collective effort of passengers to prevent disaster.
A Hero’s Struggle: The Cockpit Attack and Rescue
Machchhar, who has flown for 17 years and served as a captain for 11, described the attack in a video call with Modi, stating, I had so many wounds. I had fallen down,
and I was fighting for my life. At one point, I realized that if I didn’t get up … then passengers would lose their lives.
Despite being stabbed, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to restrain the attacker. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia and is under interrogation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged the attacker had undergone Islamic radical indoctrination,
though no conclusive evidence has been released.
The flight, which had 182 people, was stabilized by a reserve pilot and onboard passengers, according to reports. I have been flying planes for 17 years and serving as a captain for the last 11 years.
I can sense exactly what is happening with the aircraft even with my eyes closed,
he told Modi. The incident occurred when the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv began a steep descent after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar. The aircraft plummeted about 17,000 feet in the span of a minute before being diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
After the landing, Machchhar was stabilized in Saudi Arabia before being transported to a hospital in the UAE, where he is now recovering. Passengers and a reserve pilot helped subdue the co-pilot, who was arrested in Saudi Arabia. FlyDubai said Wednesday that the jet was secured by on-duty crew members who diverted and landed the aircraft safely,
with a regional official stating the crew members were pilots in training. The flight carried 182 people.
Faith and Public Praise: A Nation’s Response
Machchhar recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional hymn, during the attack, saying, Lord Hanuman gave me courage.
His actions earned widespread acclaim, with Modi praising him as a hero and stating that the country was proud of him. The Indian Prime Minister also highlighted the courage, patience, and presence of mind that saved lives, noting that he showed great courage. Machchhar’s family, including his wife and two children, is now with him in the UAE, where he continues to recover.
Gargash. The UAE has launched an investigation to determine if the attack involved terrorism. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the co-pilot’s arrest and stated that the attacker’s motive remains under interrogation.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigations
The motive behind the attack was not immediately clear, with Israeli authorities noting the attacker’s possible ties to extremism. The attacker will be returned to the United Arab Emirates, where Emirati investigators will investigate any links with terrorist organizations, and Netanyahu stated Israel would cooperate with the UAE on the investigation.
Machchhar expressed confidence in his recovery. I am not thinking of it as a wound, I am thinking of it as a journey,
he said. His family is now with him in the UAE, where he continues to recover. Kean told The Associated Press on Friday regarding the attack by a colleague: I don’t think there’s much in the handbook for being stabbed,
adding, You’re friends and you’re flying together.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the pilot’s bravery and the collaborative effort that averted a potential tragedy. Modi said people across India are praying for the captain’s recovery and the nation is proud of him and eager to have him return home. Meanwhile, Machchhar’s recovery continues, with his family and the public expressing hope for his full return to health.