'I was fighting for my life': FlyDubai captain recalls cockpit attack
Video. Still recovering in hospital, the pilot who helped prevent a tragedy on a FlyDubai flight has spoken publicly about the moment he fought to regain control of the cockpit. Capt. Smit Machchhar says he was “fighting for his life” but knew he had to get back up as the aircraft began its steep descent.
Updated: 02/10/2026 - 9:50 GMT+2
The FlyDubai captain hailed for helping prevent a disaster during an in-flight attack has spoken from his hospital bed about the moments he fought to regain control of the cockpit.
Capt. Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot attacked him as the aircraft began a steep descent. Despite his wounds, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. The flight was then diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recalled the moment he realised he had to get back up.
