Captain Smit Machchhar received praise from the Indian PM during an emotional video call after the Flydubai cockpit emergency.
NEW DELHI: Captain Smit Machchhar received a video call from the Indian PM on October 2, 2026, as he continues recovering from injuries suffered during a serious cockpit incident aboard a Flydubai flight. The Indian PM praised the pilot’s courage, presence of mind and composure, while telling him that people across India were praying for his recovery.
The call followed the September 30 incident on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports and preliminary information cited by authorities, the captain was attacked and seriously injured during an altercation with his co-pilot. The aircraft entered a steep descent before the cockpit door was opened, allowing others aboard to intervene. The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely. Investigations into what happened remain under way.
During the conversation, the Indian PM asked about the pilot’s health and highlighted the actions that helped protect those aboard the aircraft. He also referred to the values instilled in the pilot by his mother, Geeta Ben, and spoke about her influence through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Captain Smit Machchhar became emotional during the call and told the Indian PM that speaking with him was a moment he had never expected. He also described how prayer helped him during the crisis, saying he continued reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while facing the emergency. According to AP, he told the Indian PM, “Lord Hanuman gave me courage.”
The Indian PM praised the captain for putting the safety of others ahead of his own despite suffering serious injuries. He said the pilot’s actions demonstrated a willingness to risk his life to save others, while wishing him a speedy recovery.
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering at a hospital in the UAE. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, has also met the pilot and his family and said he was recovering well. Indian diplomatic officials have remained in contact with UAE authorities regarding his treatment and support for the family.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the attack. Saudi authorities are investigating the incident, while the co-pilot accused of carrying out the assault was reported to have been taken into custody after the aircraft landed.
Impact to expect
The captain’s actions and recovery are likely to keep attention focused on cockpit safety, emergency response procedures and aviation security, particularly on international routes connecting the Gulf and wider region.
