Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday and praised his courage during the mid-air crisis aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the conversation, Machchhar briefed the Prime Minister about his experience during the incident and what gave him the courage to respond despite the danger.
PM Modi praised the pilot’s bravery and wished him a speedy recovery.
The conversation comes days after Machchhar was seriously injured during an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. Reuters reported that the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit, triggering a rapid descent of the aircraft. The injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was carrying more than 170 passengers on its Dubai-Tel Aviv route when the incident occurred. The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the injured pilot and co-pilot received medical attention.
Smit Machchhar Shifted for Further Treatment
Machchhar was subsequently moved from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for further treatment. NDTV reported that the pilot was airlifted to Dubai after undergoing surgery in Saudi Arabia.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital. According to the Hindustan Times report, the ambassador said the pilot was in good health and recovering well.
The Indian government has remained in contact with authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding Machchhar’s treatment. NDTV reported on October 2 that the Ministry of External Affairs was coordinating with UAE authorities while Machchhar remained under medical care in Abu Dhabi.
PM Modi Had Earlier Praised Pilot
PM Modi had already publicly praised Machchhar’s actions following the incident.
In a statement posted on October 1, the Prime Minister described the pilot as a hero and said his courage helped save lives and avert a major tragedy.
Reuters has also reported that Machchhar is being hailed for his actions during the crisis. The agency said the pilot has nearly 9,750 flight hours and had previously spent more than a decade with SpiceJet before joining Flydubai in 2022.
Investigations into the circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack remain underway. Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel pending the investigation.
