PM Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar's family after flydubai attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Government of India sources said.

During the interaction, Modi applauded the bravery of Machchhar, whose actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy, the sources said.

The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the family and ensuring that the necessary support was extended, the sources said.

Machchhar, the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely.

Machchhar is an experienced pilot with more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours, predominantly on Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining flydubai, he spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain.

Modi had earlier hailed Machchhar as a "HERO", saying his courage and resolve in the face of grave danger helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. 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 said in a post on X.

"India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," he added.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been in contact with Machchhar's family and Saudi authorities as he receives treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. The embassy has said it is extending all possible assistance.

The incident began when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to enter a steep descent. Passengers and crew members intervened and overpowered the attacker after Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have also praised Machchhar's actions, with Netanyahu describing him as a "true hero" and saying he helped save the lives of 174 people on board.

The cause of the cockpit attack remains under investigation. Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel following the incident.