New Delhi, October 2, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight who helped prevent a serious mid-air emergency, and praised his courage, composure and presence of mind.
During the interaction, Captain Machchhar briefed the Prime Minister about what happened during the flight and explained what gave him the courage to respond despite being injured. Prime Minister Modi appreciated his actions and wished him a speedy recovery.
Pilot’s Quick Response Helped Prevent Major Incident
Captain Machchhar was serving as the captain of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an emergency developed in the cockpit.
According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot while the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia. Despite sustaining injuries, he managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, according to reports. The incident prompted international attention after the pilot’s response helped avert what could have been a much more serious situation.
PM Modi Appreciates Machchhar’s Courage
During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi asked Captain Machchhar about his health and praised the way he responded under extremely difficult circumstances.
News On AIR reported that Machchhar shared details of his experience with the Prime Minister, including what gave him the confidence to act. Modi applauded his bravery and wished him a quick recovery.
The Prime Minister had earlier also spoken with Machchhar’s family and expressed support for the pilot during his recovery.
Captain Machchhar Continues Treatment
Captain Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia following the emergency landing and was later shifted to the United Arab Emirates for further treatment.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, has also met the pilot and his family. Reports said Machchhar was stable and receiving medical care in the UAE.
During his conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Machchhar also spoke about his experience in the cockpit and the determination that helped him respond during the emergency.
International Recognition
Captain Machchhar’s actions have received attention from leaders and officials beyond India. Prime Minister Modi had earlier described the pilot’s courage and presence of mind as an example of protecting the lives of others in a difficult situation.
The incident remains under investigation, while the circumstances surrounding the confrontation between the two pilots have been subject to official inquiries. Reports have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the underlying reasons.
For now, Captain Machchhar continues to recover, while his actions during the flight have drawn widespread appreciation for his response during an unexpected aviation emergency.
