New Delhi, October 2, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was badly injured after an alleged attack by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Despite sustaining multiple stab wounds, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The flight Boeing 737, carrying around 174 passengers, reportedly went into a steep descent during the incident. Two relief pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control of the plane. The flight was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
While having conversation with Prime Minister Modi from his hospital bed, Machchhar described the moments when he realised the aircraft was descending while he was seriously injured.
He told Modi that he understood the passengers’ lives were at risk if he could not get back to the cockpit.
I was fighting for my life. At one point, I realised that if I didn’t get up, then passengers would lose their lives.
Machchhar, who has around 17 years of flying experience, said his aviation experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft despite the injuries he had sustained. He also told the Prime Minister that he repeatedly recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal, which he said gave him strength.
Modi praises pilot’s courage
Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar for his courage, presence of mind and quick decision-making during the emergency.
Modi said the pilot had placed the safety of his passengers ahead of his own life and had helped prevent a potentially much larger tragedy.
The Prime Minister told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for his recovery and expressed pride in his actions.
Modi also highlighted a broader message of protecting human life, saying that India could proudly say that we are not people who take lives; we are people who save lives.
Modi recalls conversation with Smit’s mother, Geeta Ben
During the conversation, Modi also recalled speaking with Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and praised the values she had instilled in her son.
As per discussion with the Prime Minister, he told her:
Your name is Geeta, but you have completely absorbed the teachings of Krishna’s Gita and have built Smit’s life with the values of the Gita.
The Prime Minister said he was particularly moved after learning that Machchhar had relied on the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting for his own life.
Modi also spoke about Machchhar’s wife, Sonal Ben, and acknowledged the bravery and composure shown by the family during this unexpected crunch.
Pilot undergoing treatment in Abu Dhabi
Machchhar initially received medical treatment in Saudi Arabia before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further care.
Reports indicate that he suffered injuries to his limbs, chest and upper abdomen. He is currently recovering under medical supervision.
The alleged attack remains under investigation. The co-pilot, reported to be an Omani national, was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the incident.
India is proud of you
The Prime Minister had earlier described Machchhar as a hero, praising his courage and actions during the emergency.
During their conversation, Modi again acknowledged the pilot’s potential to remain focused under extreme circumstances and make critical decisions within seconds.
The event took place around Gandhi Jayanti, and Modi also referred to the principle of ahimsa, connecting the pilot’s actions with the importance of protecting human life.
The conversation ended with Modi wishing Captain Smit Machchhar a speedy recovery and assuring him that the country stood behind him.
Captain Smit’s actions have drawn widespread attention in India, with his decision to fight through serious injuries and focus on the safety of those aboard the aircraft becoming the central focus of the incident.
