But the drama began when the Omani co‑pilot seized the cockpit and threatened to crash the aircraft that was carrying over 170 passengers, including 24 children—an act that turned the flight into a life‑or‑death scramble.
Captain Machchhar was stabbed in the chest, limbs, and upper abdomen, yet he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to wrestle the attacker away. The pilot was immediately air‑lifted from Tabuk to Abu Dhabi Military Hospital, where a team of specialists is monitoring his recovery.
The Boeing 737 was cruising at about 34,000 feet when the hijack attempt began; it began dropping at roughly 23,000 feet per minute before stabilizing at 15,600 feet. Relief pilots from the rear of the cabin seized control, diverted the airliner to Tabuk, and landed it safely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the pilot on a video link, calling his bravery a "courage, patience and presence of mind that saved many lives." He praised Machchhar for putting the safety of 170 souls above his own.
An investigation has been launched by the aviation authorities; the Omani co‑pilot remains in custody, while the airline has pledged to cooperate fully. The pilot’s family has been permitted to visit him at the hospital, and regular medical updates will be released as his treatment progresses.