The September 30 incident occurred when an Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to bring down the aircraft in a terror-driven confrontation. The struggle caused the plane to plummet 16,000 feet in under two minutes before a distress signal was transmitted. Captain Machchhar fought back against his assailant while seriously wounded, eventually receiving help from passengers and crew who stormed the flight deck to secure the cockpit. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where all 180 people on board disembarked safely.
Prime Minister Modi has since spoken with the pilot to applaud his actions and wish him a swift recovery. Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Dipak Mittal, visited the captain in a local hospital, reporting that he is in stable condition and maintains high spirits. Deora, representing the Maharashtra government, highlighted that the pilot’s selflessness under extreme pressure represents the highest standards of duty and bravery.
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