Capt Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, has been hailed as a hero after a dramatic incident on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. On Wednesday, Machchhar was stabbed by a fellow pilot, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The flight, carrying over 170 passengers, encountered a crisis when the attack occurred mid-air. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to regain control of the aircraft, preventing a potential disaster. The plane, which had taken off from Dubai International Airport, was diverted to Tabuk, a city in north-western Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar was hospitalized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's actions, stating that he saved the lives of 174 people and averted a catastrophic mid-air disaster. The incident unfolded as the plane made a rapid descent, dropping more than 17,000 feet in under two minutes, before signaling an emergency code. It later switched to a hijacking code as the situation escalated.
Machchhar, who grew up in Mumbai and has over 9,750 hours of flying experience, joined Flydubai in 2022. His calm demeanor in crises was noted by Philip Kean, CEO of Mainland Air in New Zealand, where Machchhar trained. Kean recalled Machchhar as a good and honest worker, trained for forced landings, though not for such rare situations.
Former colleagues and friends have also lauded Machchhar's bravery. SpiceJet, where he previously worked, called him a hero who saved countless lives. Capt Dharav Gosalia, a friend and former colleague, described Machchhar as jovial and disciplined, with extensive training from former Indian Air Force pilots.
In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recounted the harrowing experience, explaining how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries. Modi commended his courage and quick decision-making, expressing pride in his actions.
Machchhar's journey into aviation began unexpectedly. Initially planning to join his family's business, he was drawn to flying after attending an aviation seminar. He emphasized the importance of a healthy work-life balance, advising others to give personal life equal importance to professional commitments.
His experiences in the air have been varied, including assisting with a passenger's early labor. Machchhar credited senior pilots for teaching him to handle stressful situations, though he noted that no plane he had flown required an emergency landing until now.
Following the incident, Machchhar was airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is recovering well. The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed his good health. Social media in India has been flooded with praise for Machchhar, with many calling him a hero.
Flight data showed the plane's rapid descent and emergency signals before it was diverted. Initial reports suggested a fight between pilots, but Netanyahu later confirmed that one pilot had stabbed the other and attempted to crash the plane. The situation was brought under control when a passenger and crew member intervened, overpowering the attacker.
As Machchhar recovers, he views the experience as a journey, expressing confidence in his eventual return to health. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Ambassador Deepak Mittal have both praised his extraordinary courage and presence of mind.
