PM Modi hails Capt Smit Machchhar as hero who averted 9/11-style tragedy
Synopsis
An Indian commercial pilot, stabbed mid-flight by his own co-pilot, fought back, secured the cockpit, and enabled passengers to subdue the attacker — saving 174 lives. Both PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu publicly saluted Captain Smit Machchhar on the same day, with Netanyahu invoking 9/11 to describe what was averted. It is a rare moment where a single act of individual courage commanded simultaneous tributes from two heads of government.
Key Takeaways
Captain Smit Machchhar , Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 , was stabbed by his co-pilot mid-flight but fought back and helped overpower the attacker.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia ; Machchhar is hospitalised and receiving treatment.
PM Modi praised Machchhar at the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam on 1 October 2026 , calling him a hero who prevented a 9/11-style tragedy .
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Machchhar ‘saved the lives of 174 people , including Israeli citizens.’ Modi personally spoke with the pilot’s father Bhupender Bhai , mother Geeta Behen , and wife Sonal .
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi authorities to extend all possible assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 1 October 2026, praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, as a national hero who brought glory to India and saved 174 lives by thwarting what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a potential 9/11-style catastrophe. Modi made the remarks at the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, hours after posting a tribute on X calling Captain Machchhar “a HERO.”
What Happened on Flight FZ1073
According to reports, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded by his co-pilot mid-flight. Despite his injuries, he reportedly fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia, where the captain is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed it was in contact with his family and coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance.
What PM Modi Said
Addressing the UPSC centenary event, Modi said: “In the incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy.”
He added: “Captain Smit’s bravery fills every Indian with pride. Today, I also spoke to his father, Bhupender Bhai, his mother, Geeta Behen, and his wife, Sonal. He is undergoing treatment, and the entire world is proud of him today.” Modi also urged citizens to pray for the pilot’s “long and healthy life.”
Earlier in the day, in his post on X, Modi had written: “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.”
Netanyahu’s Salute to the Indian Pilot
In a statement posted on social media platform X by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu said: “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.” He described the pilot’s actions as having prevented a major aviation disaster and stated that 174 people — including Israeli citizens and other nationals — owed their lives to him. Netanyahu wished Machchhar a “speedy and full recovery” and called him “a true hero.”
India’s Diplomatic Response
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was awaiting a detailed update on the pilot’s health condition and remained in active contact with his family. The mission assured that it would extend every possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities. Notably, the incident has drawn attention to the bravery of Indian aviation professionals operating internationally, coming at a time of heightened global concern over in-flight security threats.
What Happens Next
Captain Machchhar remains hospitalised in Tabuk and is reportedly receiving necessary medical treatment. Indian diplomatic missions are monitoring the situation closely. The incident is expected to prompt fresh scrutiny of cockpit-security protocols and crew-vetting procedures at international carriers. Modi’s public tribute — delivered at one of India’s most prestigious civil-service forums — signals that the government is likely to formally recognise Machchhar’s bravery.
Point of View
Ceremonial, presidential — has been swift, but the harder question — what structural reforms follow — remains unanswered.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar and what did he do?
Captain Smit Machchhar is the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 who was stabbed by his co-pilot mid-flight. Despite being seriously injured, he fought back, opened the cockpit door, and helped passengers and crew overpower the attacker, saving 174 lives and forcing the aircraft to divert safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
What did PM Modi say about Captain Smit Machchhar?
PM Modi called Captain Machchhar ‘a HERO’ in a post on X and reiterated the tribute at the UPSC centenary event at Bharat Mandapam on 1 October 2026. He said Machchhar demonstrated ‘remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage’ and personally spoke with the pilot’s family to laud his bravery.
Why did Israeli PM Netanyahu praise an Indian pilot?
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Machchhar because the 174 passengers saved included Israeli citizens. Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions prevented what could have become a 9/11-style aviation catastrophe, calling him ‘a true hero’ and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Where is Captain Smit Machchhar now?
Captain Machchhar is currently hospitalised in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is monitoring his health and coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance.
What is flydubai flight FZ1073?
Flydubai flight FZ1073 is the commercial flight on which the incident occurred. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after Captain Machchhar, despite being attacked and injured by his co-pilot, managed to secure the cockpit and allow the assailant to be overpowered by those on board.
