New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who is recovering in the UAE after an attack inside the cockpit of a flydubai flight, and praised his courage in protecting passengers during the mid-air emergency.
During the conversation, Modi enquired about Machchhar’s health and wished him a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister commended the pilot’s presence of mind and courage during the incident, in which he helped prevent a potentially serious situation aboard the flight carrying around 170 people.
Captain Machchhar, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the UAE, briefed the Prime Minister about the incident and the circumstances in which he confronted the attacking co-pilot. The pilot also spoke about what gave him the courage to respond during the life-threatening situation.
Modi had earlier spoken to members of Machchhar’s family on Thursday and praised the pilot’s bravery. The Prime Minister also assured them that Indian missions in the UAE and the region were extending all possible assistance to the pilot and his family.
Machchhar was earlier airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for medical treatment following the incident.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also met Machchhar and his family at the hospital. Following the meeting, Mittal said the pilot was stable, communicating normally and in good spirits.
“He was speaking openly, smiling and laughing, which was a great relief for us and, above all, for his family,” the ambassador said.
Mittal said Machchhar was receiving appropriate medical treatment and that the Indian Embassy remained in regular contact with UAE authorities regarding his condition and the investigation.
The ambassador had earlier praised the Indian pilot’s actions, saying Machchhar had demonstrated exceptional courage in protecting passengers and helping avert what could have been a major tragedy.
“Captain Smit has demonstrated great bravery and courage in an exemplary manner to save so many precious lives and avert a great tragedy,” Mittal said, adding that India was proud of the pilot and would continue to extend full support and cooperation.
The incident occurred aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. An attack inside the aircraft’s cockpit prompted an emergency response, with the flight subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia, where the pilot received medical attention before being transferred to Dubai.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack aboard the aircraft. His spokesperson said Guterres was grateful to the authorities involved for ensuring the safety of all passengers and for carrying out an investigation into the incident.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack are continuing.
