IndiaPosted at: Oct 1 2026 2:17PM


PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar as ‘Hero’ after flydubai cockpit attack

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Indian commercial pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” for displaying extraordinary courage while confronting a violent attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight, saying his actions helped avert what could have become another 9/11-like aviation tragedy and save the lives of 174 people on board.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said Machchhar had demonstrated “the highest form of courage” by confronting the threat despite the danger to his own life.
“Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage. Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening. 140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being,” the Prime Minister said.
In a separate message, Modi described Machchhar as a “HERO”, saying that despite being seriously injured and facing the “gravest danger”, the pilot displayed immense courage and an unwavering determination to protect the lives of those on board.
“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” Modi said, while praying for his “speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health”.
Machchhar was commanding flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, when a violent confrontation erupted in the cockpit. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing.
According to accounts attributed to Israeli officials and passengers and cited by international media, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with a knife and allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft. During the confrontation, the aircraft entered a steep descent, losing around 14,300 feet in approximately 37 seconds, according to flight-tracking data. Emergency alerts were subsequently transmitted before the aircraft was diverted towards Tabuk.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers, crew members and two other pilots travelling as passengers to enter and assist in overpowering the attacker. The aircraft was then brought under control and flown to safety in Tabuk. Reuters reported that the two flydubai pilots travelling as passengers subsequently helped operate the aircraft during the emergency.
The incident drew immediate international attention because of the potentially catastrophic consequences of an attack inside the cockpit of a passenger aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, saying his actions were instrumental in preventing a major mid-air disaster. Passengers were assisted after landing in Saudi Arabia, with arrangements subsequently being made for their onward journey to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk following the emergency landing. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said he was receiving medical treatment and was in stable condition, while Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia continued to monitor his condition and remain in contact with his family. Reports later indicated that he underwent surgery.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the Ambassador of India to the UAE had met Machchhar’s family in Dubai and conveyed the Government of India’s “full support and assistance” for his welfare and wellbeing.
The diplomatic outreach came as Indian authorities coordinated with Saudi and other officials regarding Machchhar’s medical treatment and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Machchhar is an experienced commercial pilot who joined flydubai as a captain in June 2022. Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he spent around 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and later as a Line Training Captain, training and assessing other pilots. His professional profile lists more than 9,750 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft, including the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX variants.
The episode has also drawn renewed attention to cockpit security and crew response procedures in dealing with emergencies that could threaten the safety of a passenger aircraft. While Israeli officials have described the incident as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft, flydubai has urged caution against speculation and said the circumstances remain under investigation.
For India, the immediate focus remained on Machchhar’s reported actions during the crisis. Modi’s tribute placed the Indian pilot at the centre of widespread recognition for his conduct under extreme circumstances, as Indians rallied behind him and prayed for his recovery following an incident that could have had catastrophic consequences for hundreds of people on board. UNI SKA AAB
Tags: #PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar as ‘Hero’ after flydubai cockpit attack
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