Flydubai Captain Recounts Cockpit Struggle in Call with PM Modi

Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar spoke from his hospital bed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recounting the struggle inside the cockpit, N12 and The Jerusalem Post reported.

According to the reports, Machchhar recalled opening the cockpit door from the floor while actively being attacked by his Omani first officer. He stated that he felt the aircraft diving and knew he had to act to save the 174 passengers on board.

Modi praised and consoled the wounded pilot during the call, which took place as Machchhar receives medical treatment in the United Arab Emirates following his transfer from Saudi Arabia.