Flydubai hero pilot Smit Machchhar tells PM Modi: 'You are my biggest idol'
Synopsis
Wounded flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar — who was stabbed by his own co-pilot mid-air yet managed to open the cockpit door and let passengers subdue the attacker, saving 170+ lives — received a personal video call from PM Modi on 2 October. In an emotional exchange, the pilot called Modi his 'biggest idol' and revealed he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the attack itself.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi made a personal video call to wounded flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on 2 October , enquiring about his health and pledging all possible assistance.
Captain Machchhar told PM Modi he was his 'biggest idol' and that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the cockpit attack.
The pilot was stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit during the flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight , yet managed to press the door latch to let passengers subdue the attacker.
His act of bravery is credited with saving the lives of more than 170 people on board.
PM Modi also spoke with the pilot's mother, Geeta Ben , and praised her son's upbringing in the values of the Bhagavad Gita .
The Indian government has assured Captain Machchhar and his family of full medical and logistical support during his recovery in the UAE .
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, visibly emotional while receiving a video call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 2 October, told the Prime Minister that he was his biggest idol and someone he had always looked up to. The wounded flydubai captain, currently recuperating at a hospital in the UAE, was called by PM Modi to enquire about his well-being and wish him a speedy recovery.
What PM Modi Said
Prime Minister Modi praised Captain Machchhar's valour during the call and lauded his heroics, which reportedly saved more than 170 lives aboard the flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight and, according to officials, prevented what could have been a catastrophic mid-air attack. The Prime Minister also spoke with the pilot's mother, Geeta Ben, applauding her son's upbringing in the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Modi assured the pilot and his family of all possible assistance, including medical support during his recovery.
Captain Machchhar's Emotional Response
Captain Machchhar said receiving PM Modi's call made him 'extremely proud' and that he had never imagined he would get the opportunity to speak with him. The pilot also told the Prime Minister that whenever he finds himself surrounded by difficult situations, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa — a practice he reportedly turned to even inside the cockpit during the terrifying attack.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight
Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit during the flydubai flight. Despite suffering grievous injuries, the captain did not surrender to the assault. In a remarkable act of presence of mind, he pressed the cockpit door latch while incapacitated, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the attacking co-pilot. His resourcefulness is credited with saving the lives of all 170-plus passengers and crew on board.
A Global Talking Point
Captain Machchhar's act of bravery has drawn widespread international attention, with aviation experts and officials describing it as an extraordinary example of duty under extreme duress. The incident has also reignited debate about cockpit security protocols and crew safety on international routes. PM Modi's personal outreach underscores the national pride attached to the pilot's actions, which have resonated far beyond aviation circles.
The Indian government's assurance of continued medical and logistical support signals that Captain Machchhar's recovery will remain under close official attention in the days ahead.
Point of View
Having been stabbed inside a locked cockpit, engineered his own rescue and that of 170-plus passengers through sheer presence of mind. The cockpit security question — how a co-pilot could carry out such an attack — deserves as much scrutiny as the heroism. Modi's outreach ensures the pilot's story stays in the national spotlight, but the structural aviation safety gap it exposes must not be overshadowed by the celebratory framing.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar and what did he do?
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian pilot employed by flydubai who was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Despite his injuries, he pressed the cockpit door latch to allow passengers to enter and overpower the attacker, saving more than 170 lives on board.
Why did PM Modi call Captain Smit Machchhar?
PM Modi called the wounded pilot on 2 October to enquire about his health, wish him a speedy recovery, and commend his extraordinary bravery. The Prime Minister also spoke with the pilot's mother, Geeta Ben, and assured the family of full government support, including medical assistance.
What did Captain Machchhar say to PM Modi during the call?
Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was his 'biggest idol' and that he had never imagined he would have the chance to speak with him. He also revealed that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa in difficult moments, including during the cockpit attack itself.
Where is Captain Smit Machchhar being treated?
Captain Smit Machchhar is currently recuperating at a hospital in the UAE, where the flydubai flight originated. The Indian government has pledged all possible assistance, including medical support, for his recovery.
How many people did Captain Machchhar save?
According to reports, Captain Machchhar's actions saved more than 170 passengers and crew aboard the flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Officials have also indicated that his intervention prevented what could have been a far more catastrophic outcome.
