IndiaPosted at: Oct 2 2026 5:02PM


PM hails Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar's courage as 'Unforgettable Conversation'

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described his conversation with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar as an "unforgettable conversation" marked by "pride and emotions", as he spoke to the Indian pilot recovering in a UAE hospital after being seriously injured while helping avert a potentially catastrophic mid-air incident.
"An unforgettable conversation with Captain Smit, filled with pride and emotions," Modi said in a post on social media platform X, sharing visuals of his interaction with Machchhar.
During the conversation, Machchhar recounted the terrifying sequence of events aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot. Despite suffering serious injuries, the pilot managed to reach the cockpit door and take action that helped prevent a major tragedy.
Speaking to Modi, Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain, helped him recognise that the aircraft was descending dangerously even as he lay injured on the cockpit floor. He said he realised that he had to make one final effort to reach the cockpit because he could not allow the passengers to lose their lives.
Machchhar also told the Prime Minister that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal, saying it gave him courage in the face of fear and danger. He became emotional while speaking to Modi and said that talking to the Prime Minister was a "very special moment" that he had never imagined would happen.
Modi praised Machchhar's courage, composure and presence of mind, saying that the pilot had taken crucial decisions within seconds while putting the safety of others ahead of his own. "Today, the entire nation can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives—we are people who save lives," Modi told him.
The Prime Minister also assured Machchhar of his support, telling him, "Whenever you need me, I am just a phone call away," and said that India was waiting to welcome him back.
The interaction came a day after Modi publicly hailed Machchhar as a "HERO", saying that despite being seriously injured and facing grave danger, the pilot had demonstrated "immense courage and an unwavering resolve" to protect the lives of others. Modi had said his valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
The incident has drawn widespread attention after Machchhar, despite being wounded during the alleged cockpit attack, helped regain control of the situation and enabled others to intervene. He remains under treatment in the UAE. Modi had earlier spoken to his wife and parents and assured them of support from Indian missions.
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