Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar for courage that helped avert tragedy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage and presence of mind after the pilot was seriously injured during an attack by his co-pilot on an Israel-bound flight, saying that his actions demonstrated to the world that Indians are willing to risk their lives to save others.

Prime Minister Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar over a video call on Friday, October 2, 2026, while the pilot was recovering from his injuries, and described him as a hero who helped prevent a major tragedy.

“You suffered such a serious injury and fought your own battle between life and death. Even at that moment, you did not think about your own life; you thought about the lives of all the passengers,” Prime Minister Modi told the pilot.

The conversation took place on Gandhi Jayanti, the national holiday marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Referring to Gandhi’s philosophy, Modi told Captain Machchhar: “Today is Gandhi Jayanti, you have shown the world what the true meaning of ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) is.”

Captain Machchhar, who described Modi as his “biggest idol”, is recovering from wounds sustained during the mid-air confrontation. He is currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk for injuries suffered in the incident.

According to the information released following the incident, Captain Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight travelling to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.

Despite being seriously injured, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door after realising that the aircraft was losing altitude. Passengers then intervened and overpowered the co-pilot, while two other pilots on board took control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Recalling the critical moments of the confrontation, Captain Machchhar told Prime Minister Modi that his 17 years of flying experience made him immediately understand the potential consequences for the passengers if he failed to act.

“I was lying on the floor of the cockpit injured. I was still getting hit, but realised that the plane was losing altitude. I told myself to give it one last try and open the door,” Machchhar said.

He explained that, although he was fighting for his own survival, he could not bear to think about what might happen to the passengers if he did not act.

“With whatever energy was left in me, I managed to act and open the door,” the pilot said, adding that the passengers subsequently intervened and helped prevent a catastrophe.

Captain Machchhar also told Modi that he regularly recites the Hanuman Chalisa when he faces difficult situations and that he did so during the incident.

Prime Minister Modi praised the pilot’s bravery, presence of mind and composure, saying that Captain Machchhar had made a critical decision within a fraction of a second and helped save the lives of many people.

“After this incident, the country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others,” Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister also stressed the broader significance of Machchhar’s actions, saying that had the pilot not acted, questions could have been raised about Indians, Indian pilots and the country’s aviation safety record.

“You have truly done a great thing,” Modi told him.

In a message following the incident, Prime Minister Modi had earlier described Captain Machchhar as an example of the “highest form of courage”, saying that the pilot had acted without fearing for his own life.

“140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being,” Modi said, referring to India’s population.

During the video call, Modi again praised the pilot for putting the safety of the passengers ahead of his own.

“At that time, you received so many injuries and were engaged in a fight of life and death. But you ignored your own safety and were concerned about the safety of the passengers. You have enhanced the honour of 140 crore Indians. I feel proud from the bottom of my heart,” the Prime Minister said.

Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions have attracted widespread attention in India and abroad, with the pilot being praised for his courage and determination in a situation that placed the lives of everyone on board at risk.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, Captain Machchhar remains under medical care, while Prime Minister Modi and millions of Indians have expressed their support and wishes for his recovery.

Source www.thehindu.com