Injured Indian Pilot Smit Machar and Prime Minister Modi Speak by Phone Following Knife Attack on Flydubai Flight
Image source, Narendra Modi
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Indian pilot Smit Machar, injured after a colleague attacked him with a knife on a flight from the UAE to Israel, received a phone call from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi while still hospitalized.
During the conversation, Captain Machar appeared deeply emotional and recounted how he resisted the attack to prevent the passengers onboard from losing their lives. More than 170 people were on the aircraft.
Following the assault, Machar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and assist in subduing the assailant, actions for which he has been widely praised as a hero.
Captain Machar described feeling the plane descending rapidly as he fought on the floor with the attacker still active. At that critical moment, he realized he had to do something.
In the video call with Prime Minister Modi, he said, “I was injured and fell to the ground, but I resolved to make one final effort to open the door from inside.”
“Other people came inside and took control of the situation. I was struggling to save my own life, but I was determined not to let others die.”
The plane, which took off from Dubai, made a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. All passengers are reported to be safe.
Initially, the aircraft sent emergency signals and a hijacking alert to air traffic control.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that one pilot attacked the other with a knife in an attempt to cause the plane to crash.
Netanyahu’s Remarks on the Pilots
Netanyahu informed that the true hero, Smit Machar, was given priority treatment and taken to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
He was subsequently transferred by plane to Abu Dhabi where his condition is stable.
According to Netanyahu, the assailant is an Omani citizen believed to be influenced by Islamist extremist ideologies.
After the attacker was subdued, he reportedly attempted suicide by pleading, “Shoot me,” according to Netanyahu.
The UAE government has launched an investigation to determine whether this incident was an act of terrorism or had any terrorist motives.
‘The Whole of India is Proud’
Following the public disclosure of Machar’s identity, he has been widely praised across India’s social media platforms.
During his conversation with Modi, he shared that he has been flying planes for 17 years and has the experience to understand exactly what is happening onboard, even with his eyes closed.
Prime Minister Modi expressed that many lives were saved due to Machar’s bravery, patience, and quick decision-making, adding that the whole of India feels proud of him.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE reported on Thursday that Machar’s health condition is good and he is in recovery.
Ambassador Deepak Mittal said he is proud of Captain Smit’s heroism and felt reassured meeting him.
Machar stated, “I do not consider this injury as a wound because thinking of it that way would make recovery difficult.
I see it as a journey that gradually moves forward. It will take some time, but I am confident I will fully recover and regain my health.”