New Delhi, October 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call on Friday and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during a mid-air crisis. Machchhar was injured two days ago after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the emotional interaction, Machchhar told PM Modi that the Prime Minister was his “biggest idol” and recalled reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while dealing with the crisis. PM Modi told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for him and praised his bravery. He also said India could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those willing to risk their lives to save others.
Machchhar told the Prime Minister that despite suffering serious injuries, he realised the aircraft was going down and tried to regain control of the situation. He said he had been a captain for 11 years and could understand what was happening aboard the aircraft even with his eyes closed.
Machchhar has since been shifted from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for further treatment. India’s ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, visited him and his family at the hospital and said the pilot was in good health and recovering well.
Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew overpowered the attacker.
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