I opened cockpit door of plane while being attacked, Indian pilot tells Modi
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has been praised for his bravery after preventing a disaster on a Flydubai flight by opening the cockpit door while being attacked by his co-pilot. The captain is currently recovering in the UAE after the plane was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
This incident highlights critical aviation safety protocols and the extreme circumstances pilots may face, drawing international attention from government leaders.
By Vikas Pandey Reporting from Delhi Published 2 October 2026, 08:07 BST Updated 10 minutes ago Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has said he opened the cockpit door of the Israel-bound Flydubai plane to allow passengers to come in and halt its rapid descent.
In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Capt Machchhar said he was on the ground and still being attacked by his co-pilot when he realised the plane was sinking and he had to do something.
"I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he said.
"Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die," he added.
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