PM Modi Speaks to Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Attack, Praises Pilot’s Courage
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar by video call on Friday, October 2, praising the Indian Flydubai pilot for his actions during a cockpit attack that left him seriously injured and forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The PM Modi Smit Machchhar interaction took place while Machchhar was receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi.
PM Modi Smit Machchhar Call Reveals Pilot’s Account
The Smit Machchhar call gave Modi an opportunity to hear directly from the captain about what happened inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Machchhar told Modi that he realised the aircraft was going down and made a final effort to open the cockpit door despite being severely wounded. The opening allowed passengers and crew members to enter, after which the co-pilot was overpowered and another pair of Flydubai pilots took control.
Machchhar also said he drew spiritual strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal. The Prime Minister referred to his courage, patience and quick decision-making while wishing him a complete and speedy recovery.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073
The latest Flydubai pilot news concerns an incident that began while the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was in the air. Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during an altercation that Saudi authorities are investigating. Reports have described the incident as an alleged attempt to bring down the aircraft, but the investigation remains ongoing.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk at 9:45 a.m. Saudi Arabia’s account said the flight had 174 passengers and an eight-member crew. The passengers later continued their journey on a replacement Flydubai aircraft.
That figure is worth clarifying because some early reports referred to 170 people. The Saudi account cited by News On AIR specifies 174 passengers plus eight crew members, while Reuters reported 174 people aboard in its account of the incident.
Machchhar Continues Treatment In Abu Dhabi
Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care. Saudi authorities said both pilots left the country after receiving medical clearance and were accompanied by a UAE security team.
The PM Modi Smit Machchhar conversation came as Indian authorities continued to track his recovery. The Ministry of External Affairs has also said India is closely following his condition.
The incident has renewed attention on cockpit security and passenger safety, alongside wider aviation security measures covered in earlier reporting.
Investigation Into Cockpit Attack Continues
The Smit Machchhar call did not resolve questions surrounding the co-pilot’s actions or the circumstances that led to the confrontation. Those matters remain subject to investigation by the relevant Saudi and UAE authorities.
For now, the Flydubai pilot news is centred on Machchhar’s recovery and his account of the seconds in which he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries. Modi said he hoped to meet the captain in person after his recovery.
