PM Modi calls Capt Smit Machchhar's family, hails flydubai pilot as hero
Synopsis
A stabbed, seriously injured Indian pilot refused to yield control — and saved 174 lives. Captain Smit Machchhar's act aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 has drawn personal calls from PM Modi and a public salute from Israeli PM Netanyahu, making this one of the most celebrated acts of individual bravery in recent civil aviation history.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi personally called the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar on 1 October 2026 , lauding his bravery.
Captain Machchhar, pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 , was reportedly stabbed and seriously wounded mid-flight but fought back and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia , where the pilot is hospitalised and receiving medical treatment.
Netanyahu credited Captain Machchhar with saving 174 lives , including Israeli citizens, calling him "a true hero." The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in touch with the family and coordinating assistance with Saudi authorities .
Modi posted on X calling Captain Machchhar a 'HERO' and praying for his speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 1 October 2026, personally telephoned the family of Captain Smit Machchhar — the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 — who was seriously injured after reportedly repelling an in-flight attack and preventing a potential aviation catastrophe. Modi lauded the pilot's bravery and assured the family that Indian missions are providing all possible assistance, according to people familiar with the matter.
What PM Modi Said
"PM Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar. PM applauded the bravery of Captain Smit, who saved hundreds of lives," sources said. The Prime Minister also took to X to call Captain Machchhar a 'HERO', saying: "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." Modi added, "India is proud of Captain Machchhar," and prayed for the pilot's "speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health."
The In-Flight Incident
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded mid-flight. Despite his injuries, he reportedly fought back against the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia, where Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital and receiving medical treatment. Netanyahu said the pilot's actions prevented what could have been a major aviation disaster and directly saved 174 lives, including Israeli citizens and nationals of other countries.
International Recognition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement posted by his office on social media platform X, offered his personal salute to the Indian pilot. "My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery," Netanyahu said, describing him as "a true hero" and wishing him a "speedy and full recovery." The statement drew wide international attention and highlighted the incident's significance beyond bilateral aviation safety.
Indian Mission's Response
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated it was in touch with Captain Machchhar's family and awaiting a detailed update on his health. The mission assured the family it would extend all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities. This is in keeping with standard consular protocol, though the Prime Minister's direct personal outreach to the family signals the gravity with which New Delhi has treated the incident.
What Happens Next
Captain Machchhar remains under medical care in Tabuk, and his condition will be closely monitored by Indian consular officials. The incident is likely to prompt a formal review of in-flight security protocols by aviation regulators. As tributes continue to pour in from heads of state, the story of the flydubai pilot has emerged as one of the most striking acts of individual bravery in recent civil aviation history.
Point of View
And whether existing aviation security protocols are fit for purpose. Netanyahu's detailed account — that the pilot was stabbed, fought back, and opened the cockpit door — raises serious questions about the chain of events that will require a transparent investigation by civil aviation authorities. The tributes are warranted; the accountability questions must follow.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar and what did he do?
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian pilot who was operating flydubai flight FZ1073 when he was allegedly stabbed and seriously wounded mid-flight. Despite his injuries, he reportedly fought back against the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and helped passengers and crew overpower the assailant, enabling the aircraft to be safely diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Why did PM Modi call Captain Machchhar's family?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the pilot's wife and parents on 1 October 2026 to personally applaud his bravery and assure them that Indian missions are providing all possible assistance. Modi also praised Captain Machchhar on X, calling him a 'HERO' who saved hundreds of lives.
How many lives did Captain Machchhar save?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Captain Machchhar's actions saved 174 lives, including Israeli citizens and nationals of other countries, and prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster.
Where is Captain Machchhar now?
Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical treatment for serious injuries. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in touch with his family and coordinating assistance with Saudi authorities.
What did Israeli PM Netanyahu say about the incident?
Netanyahu, in a statement posted by his office on X, said Captain Machchhar displayed 'extraordinary bravery' after being stabbed and seriously wounded. He saluted the Indian pilot, credited him with saving 174 lives including Israeli citizens, and wished him a 'speedy and full recovery', calling him 'a true hero'.
