PM Modi Speaks To Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar After Mid-Air Attack, Praises His Courage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, and praised his courage in responding to the mid-air crisis.

During the conversation, Machchhar briefed Modi about the incident and what gave him the courage to act despite being seriously injured. The Prime Minister praised the pilot for his bravery and wished him a speedy recovery, Hindustan Times reported.

Machchhar was seriously injured in the attack on Wednesday and has since been shifted from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates for further treatment. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital and said the pilot was in “good health and recovering well”.

What Happened On The Flydubai Flight?

Machchhar was the captain of flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

While the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia, his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker.

As the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly, a plumber on board allegedly took control of the aircraft. Other pilots travelling as passengers then assisted and diverted the plane to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.

Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft entered a steep descent during the incident, losing more than 14,000 feet in less than a minute.

The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, while Machchhar was taken for medical treatment.