New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar became emotional during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, telling him that he was his “biggest idol” and someone he had always looked up to.
Machchhar, who is recovering in a UAE hospital after being seriously injured in a mid-air cockpit attack, thanked the Prime Minister for calling him and said he felt extremely proud to have the opportunity to speak with him.
“You are my biggest ideal, sir. You called me, and I am feeling very proud,” Machchhar told Modi.
The captain, who has 17 years of aviation experience and has served as a captain for 11 years, recalled the moments during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight when he was attacked by his co-pilot. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar told Modi that he realised he had to act when he understood the aircraft was losing altitude.
“When I fell down, I realised that the flight was going down. I realised that I had to open the door one last time, and I opened the door. All the other people entered,” he said, while also acknowledging the role played by other passengers and crew members.
He said he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal, describing it as something he turns to when he is in pain or needs positivity.
“When I need positivity and feel pain, I read the Hanuman Chalisa. At that moment, too, when you called me, I felt proud,” Machchhar said.
He also told Modi that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa with his two-year-old son, saying that although he is away from India, he does not want to be away from his culture.
During the conversation, Machchhar became tearful. Modi consoled him and said the entire country was praying for his recovery.
“Why are you crying? The whole country wants to talk to you,” Modi said, adding that Machchhar’s courage and composure had helped save lives.
The Prime Minister also praised Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, for the values with which she had raised her son, and assured the captain and his family of all possible assistance.
“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 Prime Minister had earlier publicly praised Machchhar’s courage, saying his actions helped avert a major tragedy. The Prime Minister’s Office said Machchhar’s valour helped save hundreds of lives.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar, after which the aircraft entered a steep descent. Passengers and crew members intervened after the cockpit door was opened, while other pilots onboard helped land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. Investigations into the incident are underway.
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