RSS salutes Captain Smit Machchhar for saving 170+ lives on flydubai flight
Synopsis
An Indian commercial pilot attacked mid-flight by his own co-pilot stayed in command, diverted the aircraft, and saved over 170 lives — earning tributes from PM Modi, Israeli PM Netanyahu, and now the RSS. Captain Smit Machchhar, hospitalised in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, has become a symbol of extraordinary duty, with Modi calling his act a prevention of a '9/11-style tragedy.'
Key Takeaways
The RSS posted a tribute on X on 1 October 2026 , saluting Captain Smit Machchhar for saving 170+ lives .
The post was signed by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar .
Captain Machchhar, pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 , was attacked by his co-pilot mid-flight but continued to command the aircraft safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia .
PM Modi praised him at the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam , calling it a prevention of a ' 9/11-style tragedy ' — citing remarks by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu .
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 for the pilot's full consular support.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday, 1 October 2026, publicly praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, for his extraordinary bravery in averting a mid-air catastrophe while grievously wounded — an act that saved more than 170 lives and drew tributes from heads of state across the world.
The RSS Post and Who Signed It
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the RSS wrote: 'Salute to Captain Smit Machchhar for his exceptional courage. His actions went beyond the call of duty, helping protect 170+ lives. He is a real HERO and the entire country is proud of him for his bravery and timely action. Wishing him speedy and total recovery.' The message was signed by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, the RSS's national communications head.
What Happened Aboard Flight FZ1073
Captain Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, was attacked by his co-pilot mid-flight. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he continued to exercise command over the aircraft, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board. His actions led to the flight being diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where he was admitted to hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed it was in touch with the pilot's family and coordinating with Saudi authorities to extend all possible assistance.
PM Modi Calls It a 9/11-Style Attack Averted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to publicly recognise the pilot's courage. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, 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.'
Modi also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had specifically praised Captain Machchhar, describing his intervention as having averted a terror attack of the scale of the September 11 attacks. 'Captain Smit's bravery fills every Indian with pride,' Modi added. The Prime Minister confirmed he personally spoke with the pilot's father, Bhupender Bhai, his mother, Geeta Behen, and his wife, Sonal, to convey his support and urge the nation to pray for Smit's full recovery.
Global Attention and National Pride
The incident has drawn rare cross-border recognition, with the leaders of at least two countries — India and Israel — separately acknowledging the pilot's role. Notably, it is uncommon for a civilian aviation incident to draw such high-profile geopolitical attention, a reflection of how close to catastrophe the situation reportedly came. The RSS's tribute adds a further dimension, signalling that the sentiment of national pride cuts across political and ideological lines.
Captain Machchhar's Condition and What Comes Next
Captain Machchhar remains hospitalised in Tabuk city, northwest Saudi Arabia, where he is reportedly receiving necessary medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has assured his family of full consular support. Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to pray for the pilot's 'long and healthy life' and called on the country to 'salute Smit, who has brought glory to India.' As the pilot's recovery continues, calls are expected to grow for formal national recognition of his act of exceptional courage.
Point of View
A sitting Indian prime minister, and a foreign head of government have all independently recognised the same act. That convergence is itself a signal of how close the incident came to catastrophe. Yet, as the applause rises, questions that deserve attention in the days ahead include the systemic screening protocols for co-pilots on international routes, the adequacy of mid-flight emergency response frameworks, and whether this episode will prompt regulatory review at flydubai or across Gulf-based carriers with significant Indian crew. National pride is warranted; it should not crowd out accountability.
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 attacked mid-flight by his co-pilot. Despite being seriously injured, he maintained control of the aircraft and diverted it safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving more than 170 lives.
What did PM Modi say about Captain Smit Machchhar?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar at the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, calling his act a prevention of a '9/11-style tragedy' — a characterisation he attributed to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi also personally called the pilot's family to convey support and urged citizens to pray for his recovery.
Why did the RSS praise Captain Smit Machchhar?
The RSS posted a tribute on X on 1 October 2026, signed by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, calling Captain Machchhar a 'real HERO' for protecting over 170 lives through actions that went 'beyond the call of duty.' The tribute reflects the broad national sentiment surrounding his bravery.
Where is Captain Smit Machchhar now?
Captain Machchhar is currently hospitalised in Tabuk city, northwest Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical treatment for serious injuries sustained during the attack. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with his family and coordinating consular support with Saudi authorities.
How did Israeli PM Netanyahu describe the flydubai incident?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly described Captain Smit Machchhar's intervention as having averted a 9/11-style terror attack. PM Modi cited Netanyahu's remarks during his address at the UPSC centenary event, making it one of the few instances of a foreign head of government publicly praising an Indian commercial airline pilot.
