Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and quick thinking after an alleged stabbing incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel.
Modi spoke with the injured pilot on Friday, October 2, 2026, while Machchhar was receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to India’s Prime Minister’s Office, Modi praised the pilot for maintaining his composure and taking decisive action during the emergency.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, when Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds following the incident, heightening fears of a potential disaster.
Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the co-pilot.
Two Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently assisted in taking control of the aircraft, which was later landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
During his conversation with Modi, Machchhar recounted the ordeal, saying his years of experience as a pilot helped him recognise the seriousness of the situation and respond quickly.
He also told the prime minister that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional prayer, during the emergency.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Modi expressed appreciation to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their assistance and medical care provided to the injured pilot.
Modi also wished Machchhar a speedy recovery.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and seeking to establish a possible motive.
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