Smit Machchhar: PM Modi Says Indian Pilot’s Heroics Protected the Reputation of Indian Pilots

Smit Machchhar received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Indian captain helped prevent a potential disaster aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During a video call with the injured pilot, Modi highlighted that the consequences could have extended beyond the immediate safety of passengers and crew.

“Had this not happened, who knows what India would have had to face, what all Indian pilots would have had to endure, and how Indian pilots would have been viewed,” Modi told Machchhar, according to the details of their conversation.

What happened aboard the flydubai flight?

Machchhar was reportedly attacked by his Omani co-pilot during the flight. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the Indian captain managed to fight back and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers survived the incident.

During his conversation with Modi, Machchhar said he had been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while dealing with the attack. He also recalled forcing himself to get back up despite his injuries because he believed he had to act to prevent the situation from becoming fatal.

Modi further told him that India could take pride in the fact that Indians are willing to risk their own lives to save others. The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid social media discussions questioning how responsibility might have been assigned if the aircraft had crashed.

Why the remarks drew attention

The episode has also triggered comparisons with the continuing debate around pilot responsibility following the 2025 Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. The preliminary investigation into that crash did not attribute blame to the pilots, while the final investigation remains a significant point of public attention.

Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the flydubai incident, including the circumstances and possible motive behind the co-pilot’s attack. The investigation has not yet established all details surrounding the incident.