Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 3 October 2025, held a heartfelt video call with flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who averted a potential mid-air catastrophe by overpowering an Omani co-pilot aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Modi praised Machchhar's courage, presence of mind, and composure during the life-saving intervention, calling him a 'Veer Purush' (brave man).

An Emotional Moment Mid-Call

The conversation took a deeply personal turn when Captain Machchhar became tearful while speaking to the Prime Minister. The visibly moved pilot broke down and apologised to Modi for losing his composure. Modi immediately consoled him, saying, 'Why are you crying? The whole country wants to talk to you.'

Machchhar told the Prime Minister that he had never imagined he would one day get an opportunity to speak with him — a sentiment that visibly affected both participants in the call.

What PM Modi Said

Referencing Machchhar's earlier remarks about reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis, Modi said, 'And what you have said about the Hanuman Chalisa, I will thank Geeta Ben for giving you such values.' He added, 'The whole country is here to welcome you with great excitement.'

Drawing a connection to the occasion, Modi noted: 'Today is Gandhi Jayanti. I want to say that you have demonstrated what ahimsa (non-violence) means.' The Prime Minister also briefly conversed with Machchhar in Gujarati, a shared mother tongue, adding a personal warmth to the exchange.

What Happened on the flydubai Flight

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a flydubai aircraft carrying more than 170 people en route to Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft, prompting Machchhar to physically confront and fight him off. Machchhar then managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to enter and restrain the attacker, averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome.

Machchhar sustained severe injuries during the altercation. Notably, he told the Prime Minister during the call that he did not consider what happened merely as his work but as 'a journey.' 'I am confident that I will recover soon,' he said.

Airline Response and Ongoing Investigation

flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel as an investigation into the incident is underway, according to the airline. The airline has not publicly detailed the co-pilot's motive, and authorities are examining the circumstances of the alleged takeover attempt.

This comes amid heightened security scrutiny over commercial flights operating in conflict-adjacent airspace, with the incident drawing global attention to cockpit safety protocols and the role of individual crew courage in crisis response.

National Recognition and What Comes Next

Modi's call has placed Captain Machchhar at the centre of a national outpouring of pride. The pilot is currently recovering from his injuries. Modi wished him a speedy recovery and congratulated him on his courage. As the investigation proceeds, questions remain about how the co-pilot managed to initiate the takeover bid — and what systemic safeguards, if any, could be strengthened to prevent similar incidents on international routes.