Wounded flydubai captain says he recited the Hanuman Chalisa after being attacked in the cockpit as Modi assures him and his family of full support.
New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was visibly moved during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, telling him that he was his “biggest idol” and someone he had always looked up to.
Machchhar, who is recovering at a hospital in the UAE after sustaining injuries during an attack inside the cockpit of a flydubai flight, received a call from Modi earlier in the day. The Prime Minister enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery.
During the conversation, Modi praised Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind during the incident, in which the captain helped ensure the safety of more than 170 people aboard the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Machchhar told Modi that receiving the call had made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined he would get an opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister.
The pilot also shared a personal detail about how he copes with difficult situations. He told Modi that whenever he faces challenging circumstances, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa.
Machchhar said he followed the same practice during the cockpit attack, when he was stabbed and struggled to regain control of the situation while trying to protect those on board.
Modi also spoke with Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and praised the values and upbringing that had shaped her son. The Prime Minister referred to the teachings and values associated with the Bhagavad Gita while speaking to the family.
Modi assured Machchhar and his family that the government would provide all possible assistance, including support for his medical treatment and recovery.
The incident occurred when Machchhar was allegedly attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to respond under extreme pressure.
According to the account of the incident, the injured captain operated the cockpit door latch, enabling the door to be opened and allowing others to enter the cockpit and restrain the attacking co-pilot.
His actions and quick thinking helped prevent the situation from escalating further and ensured the aircraft could be brought to safety.
Machchhar’s conduct during the emergency has drawn widespread attention, with his ability to act despite his injuries being highlighted as a key factor in protecting the passengers and crew.
While recuperating in the UAE, the captain continues to receive medical care. His conversation with Modi provided a personal moment of recognition for the pilot following an incident that placed his own life at serious risk while he was responsible for the safety of those aboard.
