PM Modi Speaks to Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar After Mid-Air Attack, Praises His Courage

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke by video call with Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian Flydubai pilot who was seriously injured during a violent cockpit confrontation that sent a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight into a sudden descent.

Speaking from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar described the ordeal to the Prime Minister and recounted how he managed to open the cockpit door despite being badly wounded.

His action enabled passengers and crew members to intervene while other pilots aboard the aircraft helped bring the plane under control.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX operating Flydubai Flight FZ1073 had been travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv on September 30 when the emergency unfolded.

The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All 174 people aboard survived.

Modi tells injured pilot the country is proud.

During the conversation, Modi asked about Machchhar’s recovery and praised the composure he displayed in an extraordinary emergency.

The Prime Minister told the captain that his actions had helped prevent a potentially devastating outcome and said Indians could take pride in a pilot who placed the safety of others ahead of his own.

Machchhar appeared emotional while speaking to Modi and said the conversation held special significance for him.

He told the Prime Minister that he regarded him as an inspiration and expressed gratitude for the call and encouragement.

The captain also described the mental struggle he faced while injured. According to his account, he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis as he tried to remain composed.

Pilot recalls the moment the situation turned critical

The flight’s emergency began inside the cockpit after an altercation between Machchhar and his co-pilot. Reports say the Indian captain was attacked and suffered multiple injuries as the aircraft underwent a rapid loss of altitude.

Despite his condition, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door. That proved crucial because passengers and crew were then able to enter the flight deck and help restrain the attacker.

Relief pilots who were travelling on the aircraft also became involved in efforts to restore control.

The aircraft ultimately diverted from its planned route and landed at Tabuk.

Machchhar received emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. He has been reported to be in stable condition.

Investigation continues into cockpit attack.

Authorities in the region are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events inside the cockpit and the motive behind the confrontation.

The co-pilot has been identified in reports as an Omani national, although authorities are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

The UAE has ordered an investigation, while Saudi and Israeli authorities have also been involved in examining what happened.

Israeli officials have made allegations about the co-pilot’s intentions and possible ideological motivation, but those claims remain part of the ongoing investigation rather than an established final finding.

Modi had earlier spoken to Machchhar’s family

The Prime Minister had previously spoken with members of Machchhar’s family and expressed appreciation for the captain’s conduct during the emergency.

Modi has described the incident as an example of courage and presence of mind under extreme pressure.

He has also referred to international praise for the Indian pilot’s actions, including comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The recognition has come as Machchhar continues his recovery away from the cockpit where the crisis unfolded.

A flight that narrowly avoided disaster

The incident has drawn attention because of the speed with which the situation developed.

Reports indicate that the aircraft lost almost 14,000 feet in less than half a minute during the cockpit emergency.

What followed involved the injured captain, passengers, cabin crew and other pilots working under exceptional circumstances to prevent the aircraft from being lost.

For Machchhar, the episode has now moved from a fight for control of an aircraft to a period of medical recovery.

For aviation authorities, however, the incident has opened a separate set of questions about cockpit security, crew screening and the safeguards required to prevent a similar confrontation in the future.

The investigations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel are expected to establish the precise sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

हिंदी संस्करण