Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed After Mid-Air Attack

Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured during a terrifying incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

As a result, Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and said that his quick action helped save the lives of passengers and prevented a much bigger tragedy. The Prime Minister also promised the family that Indian officials and missions were providing all possible assistance.

Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was carrying 174 people when a violent incident broke out in the cockpit, the airline said. The co-pilot, who was an Omani national, allegedly attacked and stabbed Machchhar during the flight, the official said.

Pilot Opens Cockpit Door Despite Serious Injuries

The situation quickly became very dangerous as the aircraft reportedly went into a steep descent. Machchhar was seriously injured, but opened the cockpit door.

Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker. Two off-duty pilots who were among the passengers also assisted in stabilising the aircraft. The plane was eventually diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The dramatic actions of Machchhar and others on board have attracted international attention. The aircraft began to lose altitude during the incident and the passengers and crew were able to regain control, and the plane was able to be safely turned back to safety, said reports.

PM Modi Praises Machchhar’s Courage

Earlier on Thursday, Modi publicly praised Machchhar in a post on X, describing him as a “hero” and highlighting his courage during the emergency.

The Prime Minister said Machchhar was focused on safeguarding the lives of people on board despite suffering serious injuries. Modi also expressed his wish for the pilot’s quick recovery.

The Prime Minister later spoke to Machchhar's parents and wife directly to inquire about his condition and offer support to the family.

Smit Machchhar Undergoing Treatment

Machchhar received emergency medical treatment in Saudi Arabia after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. He underwent surgery and was in stable condition, said sources. Later reports said he was flown to Dubai for additional treatment.

The incident is also under investigation by authorities in the area. The investigators are examining the incident in and around the cockpit of the plane and why the co-pilot’s alleged attack took place, officials said.

Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions while in the middle of the emergency have earned him a lot of praise, from India and abroad. His heroism in the face of extreme injury and passengers, crew and other pilots’ involvement brought the aircraft safely down to the ground.