Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured while helping prevent a major disaster aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to government sources cited by the Times of India, PM Modi praised Machchhar’s courage and assured his family that Indian missions are providing all possible assistance.
What Happened on the Flydubai Flight?
The incident took place on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 aircraft was carrying 174 people.
During the flight, an altercation broke out in the cockpit involving Captain Machchhar and the co-pilot, an Omani national. Reports say Machchhar was attacked with a knife and seriously injured.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers, crew members and additional pilots travelling on the aircraft were then able to enter the cockpit and help overpower the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Captain Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk, where reports say he is in stable condition.
PM Modi Calls Machchhar a Hero
PM Modi had earlier praised Captain Machchhar’s actions in a social media post, describing him as a hero who showed immense courage despite being seriously injured.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of…
The Prime Minister said Machchhar’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major tragedy. He also wished the pilot a speedy recovery and good health.
The Prime Minister’s conversation with Machchhar’s wife and parents comes as Indian officials continue to remain in contact with the family and provide assistance.
Netanyahu Also Praises Indian Pilot
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Captain Machchhar’s actions.
Netanyahu said Machchhar continued to resist despite being stabbed and helped create the opportunity for passengers and crew to intervene. He credited the pilot’s actions with helping prevent a potentially catastrophic mid-air disaster.
Experienced Pilot
Captain Smit Machchhar is a Mumbai-born pilot with more than a decade of commercial aviation experience. He previously worked with SpiceJet and joined Flydubai as a captain in 2022. Reports say he has accumulated more than 9,500 hours of flying experience.
The incident remains under investigation, while Captain Machchhar continues to recover in Saudi Arabia.
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