Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday, October 2, after the Indian Flydubai pilot was seriously injured while responding to an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to take control of a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Machchhar’s actions during the mid-air crisis helped the aircraft land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after which he underwent emergency surgery and was shifted to the UAE for further treatment.
The flight was carrying 174 people, including 27 children. Modi praised Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind and wished him a speedy recovery. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said Machchhar is now stable and recovering well, with his morale remaining high. President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have also praised the pilot’s actions and expressed wishes for his recovery.
A Pilot Under Pressure
The incident unfolded on Flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. According to reports, the aircraft was cruising at around 34,000 feet when Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently went into a steep descent, dropping more than 17,000 feet before the situation was brought under control.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to resist the attack and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. The flight was eventually diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Machchhar received emergency medical treatment and underwent surgery before being transferred to the UAE.
Speaking after meeting Machchhar and his family at a UAE hospital, Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal said the pilot was “quite stable” and receiving good medical care. “He was talking, he was chatting, a bit of discomfort, but I think he’s under good medical care here in UAE,” Mittal told Prasar Bharati. He added that Machchhar’s morale was high, describing him as smiling and laughing despite his injuries. The Indian Embassy and Consulate have remained in contact with UAE authorities and the pilot’s family, assuring them of continued support.
Leaders Laud His Courage
Modi had earlier described Machchhar as a “HERO”, saying the pilot showed “immense courage” and an “unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others” despite being seriously injured. The Prime Minister said his actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy, and wished him “speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health”. Modi also spoke with Machchhar’s wife and parents, telling them that Indian missions were providing assistance. While addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission, Modi said Machchhar had demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind and courage, and referred to the incident as having prevented what he described as a “9/11-like” tragedy.
President Droupadi Murmu similarly said Machchhar’s “heroic courage and incredible presence of mind” had deeply touched the nation, adding that he remained determined to protect others even after being seriously injured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the pilot had put his own life on the line while upholding the highest traditions of duty and service. J
aishankar also praised Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met the pilot’s relatives in Mumbai and expressed support for his recovery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot and others who helped prevent what he described as a potentially catastrophic mid-air disaster.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Captain Smit Machchhar’s story is ultimately about the value of human life and the responsibility people can show in moments of extraordinary danger. Whatever the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident, the response of the pilot, crew members and passengers highlights how presence of mind, cooperation and the willingness to protect others can make a profound difference.
At a time when fear and suspicion can quickly dominate conversations around incidents involving different countries and communities, it is equally important to recognise the shared humanity at the centre of such events. Machchhar is now recovering, and the focus should remain on his health, the wellbeing of everyone affected and a transparent investigation into what happened on board.
His experience also reminds us that courage is not only about confronting danger but about protecting others when circumstances demand it. What lessons can we take from the courage and cooperation shown during this frightening incident?
#WATCH |PM @narendramodi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call, praising his courage, presence of mind and composure during the difficult situation. PM Modi said the entire country was praying for Smit and praised his spirit of putting others’ safety before his own.… pic.twitter.com/tFUWiDaqhl
— DD News (@DDNewslive) October 2, 2026
