Captain Smit Machchhar Speaks to PM Modi After Flydubai Ordeal

Mumbai | 2 Oct, 2026 | 09:29 PM IST | By DPIFF Editorial Desk

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during a dramatic mid-air incident aboard a Flydubai flight earlier this week, spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call on Friday. During the emotional conversation, Machchhar recalled the moments of extreme danger inside the cockpit and said that reciting the Hanuman Chalisahelped him maintain courage and focus during the crisis.

Prime Minister Modi enquired about the captain’s health and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during an incident that placed the lives of passengers and crew at serious risk. The Prime Minister also conveyed the country’s prayers for Machchhar’s recovery.

A Harrowing Mid-Air Emergency

The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv on September 30. According to reports, Captain Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot while the aircraft was in flight.

The situation rapidly developed into a major aviation emergency. The aircraft experienced a sharp loss of altitude, while the cockpit became the centre of a violent struggle. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar recognised the danger facing everyone aboard the aircraft and took decisive action.

Reports indicate that he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. A reserve flight crew subsequently took control of the aircraft, which was diverted and safely landed at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

Reuters reported that the aircraft was carrying 174 people and descended by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident. Other reports have cited slightly different passenger and crew totals, reflecting the evolving information surrounding the emergency. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack.

“I Kept Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa”

During his conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Captain Machchhar spoke about the source of strength he relied upon during the ordeal.

He explained that whenever he experiences pain or difficult circumstances, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said he continued reciting it during the cockpit emergency as he struggled with his injuries and tried to respond to the unfolding situation.

For Machchhar, the prayer was not simply a reflection of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the flight, but a personal source of mental strength at a moment when he was fighting through severe pain and uncertainty.

His account offered a deeply human dimension to an incident otherwise defined by aviation procedures, emergency protocols and a fight for control of an aircraft.

Presence of Mind Under Extreme Pressure

The most significant element of Captain Machchhar’s response was his ability to recognise that the emergency extended far beyond his own safety.

Despite being injured, he understood that remaining incapacitated could place everyone aboard the aircraft in even greater danger. Reports of his conversation with Prime Minister Modi indicate that Machchhar described forcing himself to act because he knew the passengers needed help.

Opening the cockpit door created an opportunity for others to intervene. Passengers and crew members were then able to assist in restraining the attacker, while another flight crew ultimately helped bring the aircraft safely to the ground.

In aviation, where decisions often have to be made within seconds, such actions can become critical. The incident has consequently drawn attention to the importance of cockpit security, crew coordination, emergency preparedness and the ability of aviation professionals to maintain situational awareness under extraordinary pressure.

PM Modi Praises the Pilot’s Courage

During the video call, Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and composure and told him that the country was praying for his recovery.

Modi also highlighted the broader significance of the captain’s actions, portraying them as an example of an Indian putting his own life at risk to protect others.

The conversation became particularly emotional for Captain Machchhar. Speaking from hospital care, he expressed how special it was for him to speak directly with the Prime Minister. He also became visibly emotional during the interaction.

The exchange brought together two very different perspectives on the same extraordinary event: a pilot recounting a personal fight for survival and a national leader recognising an act of courage that potentially protected scores of people.

From Mumbai to the Cockpit

Captain Smit Machchhar’s story has also resonated strongly in India because of his background and professional journey.

Reports identify Machchhar as being from Mumbai. He has spent years in commercial aviation and has accumulated extensive flying experience, including his time with Indian carrier SpiceJet before joining Flydubai.

Friends and people who knew him have described him as calm, approachable and dependable — qualities that became especially significant when he was confronted with an unprecedented emergency in the cockpit.

His professional experience and training, combined with his ability to act despite serious injuries, have made the incident a powerful example of how preparation and human decision-making can become crucial during an aviation emergency.

An Incident Still Under Investigation

While Captain Machchhar’s actions have received widespread praise, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack.

The co-pilot involved in the incident has been identified in reports as an Omani national, while questions surrounding the motive and circumstances of the attack remain subject to investigation. Some early reports have referred to possible extremist or terrorist motives, but such characterisations should be treated cautiously until investigators establish the facts.

For passengers, aviation authorities and the international aviation community, the incident raises important questions about cockpit security, crew screening, emergency response procedures and the safeguards designed to prevent unauthorised interference with flight operations.

A Story of Courage, Faith and Responsibility

Beyond the aviation investigation, Captain Smit Machchhar’s experience has become a story about human resilience.

At a moment of extraordinary physical danger, he was confronted with a choice between remaining down after sustaining serious injuries or attempting to act to protect those aboard the aircraft. His decision to get back up and open the cockpit door became a critical turning point in the emergency.

His recollection of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa adds another dimension to the story — illustrating how personal faith can provide psychological strength during moments of fear, pain and uncertainty.

At the same time, the incident underscores the importance of professional training and responsibility. The safe outcome was not the result of one person’s actions alone; passengers, crew members, reserve pilots and emergency authorities all played roles in bringing the situation under control.

India Watches and Prays for His Recovery

As Captain Machchhar continues his recovery in the UAE, messages of support have emerged from across India and beyond. His conversation with Prime Minister Modi has further brought national attention to his condition and his actions during the emergency.

For many Indians, the episode has become a reminder that courage is often demonstrated not through extraordinary words, but through decisive action when circumstances leave little time to think.

Captain Machchhar’s story will likely remain closely followed as authorities complete their investigation into the Flydubai incident. For now, the focus remains on his recovery — and on recognising the composure and determination he displayed during one of the most frightening moments of his flying career.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on information available from official statements and multiple established news reports as of October 2, 2026. The circumstances, motive and other aspects of the Flydubai cockpit incident remain under investigation. DPIFF will update this report if significant verified information becomes available.