PM Modi reassured Smit that the nation was praying for his recovery, noting that his actions saved many lives (Img: Screengrab from the Video)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday and praised the Indian pilot for his courage during the terrifying cockpit attack that unfolded aboard a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The conversation came as Machchhar continues to recover from serious injuries sustained during the incident. According to sources cited by India Today, the captain also told the Prime Minister what gave him the courage to act during the crisis. The exact details of their conversation were not disclosed.
Machchhar has received widespread praise after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot during FlyDubai flight FZ1073. Despite being injured, he managed to open the cockpit door and call for assistance, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure@PMOIndia @narendramodi #SmitMachchhar #FlyDubai pic.twitter.com/aL5Icap7IA
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) October 2, 2026
The aircraft, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reports said two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers also helped with the aircraft’s safe landing.
After receiving initial treatment in Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was moved to the United Arab Emirates for further medical care. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said after meeting the captain and his family that Machchhar was stable and recovering well.
The pilot’s actions have drawn international attention, with leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump also praising his response during the emergency.
The circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack remain under investigation. FlyDubai has cautioned against premature speculation about the incident’s underlying reasons.
