Captain trained in New Zealand

Smit Machchhar trained to become a pilot in New Zealand, where he met Captain Dhaval Patel. The two have known each other for close to two decades and worked together in aviation.

Friend recalls Machchhar's mentoring

Patel remembered Machchhar helping colleagues and peers, educating them on aviation concepts with clarity and knowledge. Machchhar gave Patel his captain's stripe when he was promoted.

Attack during Dubai to Tel Aviv flight

Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot while flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israel's prime minister, the co-pilot apparently tried to crash the plane.

Friend shocked by footage

When Patel saw footage of the attack, he was devastated. He told the ABC that when incidents happen to people you love, it breaks you.

“When it happens to the person you know, the person you love, it breaks you.”

Machchhar fought to save the plane

In a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar said he had been fighting for his life. He sensed the aircraft going down, told himself to give a last push, and opened the cockpit door while being stabbed.

“When I was on the floor, I could sense that the aircraft was going down, and then I told myself, 'Smit, give a last push. Door is there.'”

Recovering in Abu Dhabi

Machchhar has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and is recovering well, according to India's embassy in the United Arab Emirates. His family flew from India to be with him.

Friend celebrates Machchhar's recovery

Patel said seeing Machchhar recovering steadily and out of danger was a relief. He expressed pride that his colleague is being honoured by Prime Minister Modi and leaders around the world.