Captain Smit Machchhar, a 57‑year‑old flydubai pilot, tore the cockpit door with a blood‑stained hand, stopping a co‑pilot who had allegedly tried to crash a 737 carrying 174 people.
The assailant, who was taken into custody, had reportedly threatened to slam the plane's engines to a halt, causing a sudden descent that could have sent the aircraft into a fatal ditch.
In a televised address on Dussehra, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwant lauded Machchhar, saying the incident exemplified Hindu values of sacrifice and collective unity.
The incident has raised questions about cockpit security protocols, with aviation experts pointing to gaps in crew training and the need for reinforced door mechanisms.
One of the passengers, a mother of two, said she was terrified but grateful that the pilot had acted so swiftly.
In response, the International Civil Aviation Organization announced a joint study to evaluate cockpit safety standards across airlines, with findings expected by the end of 2026.