‘Hanuman Chalisa Gave Me Strength’: Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi About Flydubai Ordeal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured during a mid-air incident on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, and praised his courage and presence of mind.
The PIB shared visuals of the video interaction. During the emotional conversation, Modi commended Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery and determination, saying his actions helped avert what could have been a major tragedy. He also wished the pilot a speedy recovery.
A video of the conversation showed the bandaged captain briefing Modi about the incident and about what gave him the courage to confront the attacking co-pilot.
"I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I could not let all those people die," Machchhar said during a call from his hospital bed.
Machchhar became emotional while speaking to the Prime Minister and described Modi as his “biggest idol.” He also recalled the terrifying moments during the flight and said that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa gave him strength during the ordeal.
Watch the full video here:
Modi also spoke with Machchhar’s wife and parents and praised them while acknowledging the pilot’s actions during the emergency.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flydubai flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, encountered a serious security incident while in the air. According to accounts cited by Israeli officials, one pilot allegedly attacked the other and apparently attempted to bring down the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 made an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after experiencing a steep loss of altitude. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropping by thousands of feet in a short period before the situation was brought under control.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured in the incident but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently landed safely in Tabuk. The flight was carrying 174 people, including 27 children.
Flydubai has described the incident as an “altercation in the cockpit”, while authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel continue to investigate what happened and the motive behind it.
Netanyahu Also Praised Machchhar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised Captain Machchhar, calling him a hero for resisting the attack and helping passengers and crew members overpower the attacker. Netanyahu said the pilot's actions helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
Videos and photographs from the aftermath showed Machchhar injured and receiving medical attention after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
I'm praying for the speedy recovery of the Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. He saved the lives of 174 people. The whole world is saluting his extraordinary bravery. Every Indian must be proud of captain Smit Machchhar's courage. pic.twitter.com/5DVQ0kDsIo
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 1, 2026
Investigation Underway
The incident has triggered investigations by authorities in multiple countries. The UAE has launched a formal probe, while Saudi and Israeli authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident.
Officials have not yet established a definitive motive, and several details about the confrontation remain subject to investigation.
Machchhar was later transferred to the UAE for further treatment. Reports from Indian officials said he was recovering and in stable condition.
