PM Modi Contacts Family of Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar Following Mid-Air Cockpit Crisis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out directly to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot who sustained critical injuries while thwarting an attack inside the cockpit of a Flydubai passenger flight. The captain remains hospitalized in Saudi Arabia as he undergoes medical treatment.

During the call, Modi commended Machchhar's quick thinking and composure under severe duress, assuring his family that Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia are extending all necessary support. The outreach followed an earlier statement by the Prime Minister hailing the captain as a hero whose bravery prevented a major aviation catastrophe.

Mid-Flight Altercation and Emergency Diversion

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Mid-flight, a violent confrontation erupted in the cockpit when the co-pilot reportedly attacked Captain Machchhar with an edged weapon in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft.

Despite suffering substantial injuries, Machchhar succeeded in unlocking the reinforced flight deck door. This crucial action allowed crew members and passengers—including Israeli traveler Yaniv Hayoun—to storm the cockpit and subdue the assailant. The Boeing 737 was subsequently diverted to the northwestern Saudi city of Tabuk, touching down without further injury to those on board.

Global and National Acclaim

Praise for Machchhar's heroism quickly poured in from across the diplomatic and political spectrum:

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel commended the captain's extraordinary bravery and thanked the passengers and crew who stepped forward to avert a disaster.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hailed Machchhar's exceptional presence of mind in safeguarding hundreds of travelers.
• India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that consular officials in Saudi Arabia remain in continuous coordination with medical teams overseeing the captain's recovery.
• Regional leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Maharashtra, publicly honored the Mumbai-linked pilot for bringing honor to the country through his selfless conduct.

An Experienced Aviator

Captain Machchhar brings extensive commercial flight experience to his role. Prior to joining Flydubai as a direct-entry captain in 2022, he spent over a decade with Indian carrier SpiceJet, serving in senior command positions and as a flight trainer. Across his career, he has accumulated nearly 9,750 flight hours, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft.

SpiceJet leadership noted that Machchhar's composure in opening the flight deck door was the decisive move that prevented the situation from escalating into an unmitigated disaster. Flydubai has temporarily halted its flight services to Tel Aviv while aviation and security authorities continue their inquiry into the breach.