‘One Last Fight Left in Me’: Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar Recounts Co-Pilot Attack to Benjamin Netanyahu
Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has recounted the terrifying moments inside the cockpit when he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during a flight, telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu how he fought to regain access to the cockpit door and prevent further danger.
Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has recounted the terrifying moments inside the cockpit when he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during a flight, telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu how he fought to regain access to the cockpit door and prevent further danger.
Speaking to Netanyahu, Machchhar said everything appeared normal until he suddenly felt a powerful blow to the back of his head. He initially believed the aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage before realising that the threat was coming from the co-pilot.
Pilot Recalls Cockpit Attack
Machchhar said the attack affected his vision and left his memory of the incident in fragments. He also recalled the aircraft beginning to descend sharply while passengers screamed. Heroic Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar Recovering Well After Foiling Mid-Air Attack, Says Indian Embassy in UAE.
The pilot said he tried to open the cockpit door, but the co-pilot managed to close it. Eventually, Machchhar made what he described as one final attempt to reach the door.
Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Recounts Co-Pilot Attack in Cockpit, Tells Netanyahu How He Fought His Way to Door
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar:
"You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister @NarendraModi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day."… pic.twitter.com/e9nSJQ6TRj
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 3, 2026
He explained that the cockpit door could be opened from inside by reaching a twist mechanism. Although crew members outside were attempting to use the access code, Machchhar said the attacker was preventing them from entering.
He eventually reached the mechanism and twisted it open, allowing people waiting outside to enter the cockpit and take control of the situation. ‘I Was Reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: Smit Machchhar, Pilot Who Foiled Flydubai ‘Hijack’ Attempt, Gets Emotional Talking to PM Narendra Modi.
Netanyahu Praises Flydubai Captain
Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his composure and courage during the incident, saying his actions helped save lives.
The Israeli prime minister described him as a hero of Israel, India and the world. Netanyahu also invited Machchhar and his family to Israel and proposed that he participate in the country's Independence Day celebrations.
Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame during the ceremony, an honour usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
Machchhar thanked Netanyahu for the invitation and said he looked forward to visiting Israel.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 08:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
