Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchaar through a video call on Friday, October 2. Machchaar was injured in an incident involving his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot is alleged to have attempted to take control of the aircraft.
During the conversation, Machchaar described the incident to the Prime Minister and explained what gave him the courage to act despite his injuries. He managed to open the cockpit door while seriously injured, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people on board.
Machchaar told Modi that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the difficult moments. He said that despite suffering multiple injuries, he pushed himself to get up and open the cockpit door.
Modi praised the pilot's courage, presence of mind and composure and wished him a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister said that the country was praying for him and credited his actions with helping save many lives.
Following the incident, Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while an investigation continues. Captain Machchaar is currently recovering in the United Arab Emirates.
