Indian PM Modi praises Flydubai pilot Smit Machhar for mid-flight bravery

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today telephoned Flydubai pilot Smit Machhar, who was stabbed mid-flight by a co-pilot, praising his courage and presence of mind in saving the lives of 174 passengers aboard the aircraft.Machhar, currently recovering in a hospital in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, received the call from Modi, who expressed the nation’s pride in his decision to protect the passengers despite sustaining serious injuries. “The entire country is praying for your speedy recovery. Mahamrityunjay mantras are being chanted in various places. Your courage, patience, and presence of mind saved many lives. You have shown that Indians are life-savers,” Modi told Machhar, adding that his heroic act brought glory to 1.4 billion Indians.During the conversation, an emotional Machhar recounted his experience, stating that despite his severe injuries, he felt compelled to act as the situation inside the aircraft deteriorated. He explained that he opened the cockpit door as a last resort, allowing other individuals to enter and assist. Machhar, who has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as a captain, said he was aware of the escalating danger even while injured.The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai, UAE, to Tel Aviv, Israel. Approximately two hours into the flight, while over Jordanian airspace, a co-pilot attacked Captain Machhar with a knife. The aircraft subsequently dropped approximately 17,000 feet in about one minute.Following the attack, the plane transmitted an emergency signal (Squawk Code 7700) and then a signal for unlawful interference (Code 7500). Despite his injuries, Captain Machhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help subdue the attacker. One passenger, Yaniv Hayun, played a crucial role in controlling the assailant and helping to regain control of the aircraft. The plane was then safely diverted and made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 174 passengers reported safe.The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed on October 1, 2026, that Captain Machhar’s health condition remains stable and is being continuously monitored. The embassy is also in contact with his family.Dr. Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi, the UAE Attorney General, has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. An investigation team will gather evidence to determine the facts, circumstances, details, and motives behind the attack. Authorities will also investigate whether the incident is linked to any terrorist activity or pre-planned conspiracy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that the attacker is being investigated in Saudi Arabia and will be transferred to the UAE. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the event as a “jihadist terrorist attack attempt,” stating that initial information suggested the attacker intended to crash the plane and kill everyone on board. Israeli officials have estimated the attacker is an Omani national.Flydubai has announced that its flight services to Israel will remain suspended until the investigation is complete. Saudi authorities are conducting their own investigation into the incident. Israel has also indicated that it will increase security checks for pilots flying into the country.The official name and nationality of the attacking co-pilot have not yet been publicly released, though Israeli officials suspect he is an Omani citizen. The true motive and objective of the attack remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine if any terrorist activity or pre-planning was involved. Saudi Arabia has not yet released any official information regarding the incident.