Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has described the dramatic moments surrounding a mid-air incident aboard flight FZ1073.
Machchhar spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while receiving treatment at a hospital in the UAE.
The pilot said he was determined to protect others despite suffering serious injuries during the incident.
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the emergency unfolded on Wednesday. According to the reference account, Machchhar was attacked and injured by his co-pilot inside the cockpit.
The pilot did not explain what triggered the confrontation. The motive behind the alleged attack also remained unclear.
Flydubai Captain Describes Critical Moments
During his conversation with Modi, Machchhar recalled lying injured on the cockpit floor.
He said the aircraft appeared to be losing altitude while he struggled to respond. Despite his injuries, Machchhar said he gathered enough strength to make one final effort.
The Flydubai Captain managed to reach and open the cockpit door. This allowed other people to enter and assist.
Machchhar credited his aviation experience with helping him understand the aircraft’s condition.
He has been flying aircraft for 17 years and has served as a captain for 11 years. “I was fighting for my life, but I was determined not to let others die,” Machchhar told Modi.
He added that everyone who entered the cockpit played an important role in responding to the emergency.
Modi Praises Pilot’s Actions
Modi praised Machchhar for his actions during the incident.
He highlighted the pilot’s quick decision-making and concern for the passengers despite his own injuries.
The prime minister also wished him a speedy recovery. Machchhar told Modi that the conversation had raised his morale while he continued treatment.
The pilot also discussed his religious faith during the emergency.
He said he recites the Hanuman Chalisa when facing difficult situations. He also recalled reciting the prayer during the mid-air incident.
Machchhar said hospital staff were providing him with care and attention.
He described his recovery as a gradual process and expressed confidence about becoming healthy again.
Flight Carrying 174 Passengers Diverted to Saudi Arabia
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, according to the provided information.
The aircraft had departed Dubai and was travelling toward Tel Aviv. During the emergency, the flight reportedly transmitted emergency signals and descended rapidly.
It lost more than 17,000 feet after flying at an altitude of around 34,000 feet. The aircraft was then diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Details of Incident Remain Under Scrutiny
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the incident.
Citing an Israeli passenger, Netanyahu said the aircraft began descending during the emergency.
He said a passenger and crew member entered the cockpit and helped overpower the co-pilot.
These details were presented as Netanyahu’s account and were not independently established in the reference material.
The exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain important to determining what happened aboard the aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Flydubai Captain continues his recovery in the UAE.
In other news read more about: Flydubai Suspends All Flights to Israel Until Further Notice
Modi also thanked Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their assistance following the incident.
