The pilot of a FlyDubai jetliner who was attacked and seriously injured by a jihadi type co-pilot who threatened the lives of the 180 people aboard describes how, seriously injured, he was able to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers the enter and subdue the attacker.
Two pilots traveling as passengers then landed the plane safely.
An unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions. pic.twitter.com/CCf46PKOWR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2026
“This is the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there,” pilot Smit Machchhar recalled telling himself.
He was on video from his hospital bed where he is recovering from stab injuries and spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi.
“You are my biggest idol, and I am feeling very proud that you called me and encouraged me. I was fighting for my life in that moment,” he said. “It was a moment when I thought, because I had fallen on the floor, I was wounded and fell down. At that moment, I thought if I don’t get up, I’ve been flying for the last 17 years and I have been a captain for the last 11 years, and even if I shut my eyes, I can tell what is happening inside a plane. When I was lying on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was plunging, and I said to myself while I was getting beaten, ‘This is the last push Smit, do it, the door is right there.'”
He said he recalls opening the door and “everyone came in and everyone else had an equal role (in the rescue). I was trying to save myself, but I also knew that I can’t let anyone die.”
Fox reported that the fact he opened the door allowed Israeli passengers to rush the attacker, subdue him and stabilize the plunging aircraft before it crashed.
Modi told him all of Indian was praying for him.
The pilot added, “I am not thinking about my wounds like typical wounds because that will hinder my recovery. I am taking these wounds like a journey which will progress slowly, and it will take time, but I am very confident that this recovery will happen, and I will be absolutely healthy.”
