Captain Smit Machchhar speaks to PM Modi, gets emotional and recalls chanting Hanuman Chalisa during Flydubai attack

PTC Web Desk: Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

During the video call, Machchhar recalled the frightening moments inside the cockpit and said he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa when the attack took place.

Prime Minister Modi asked about his health and praised the pilot for remaining calm and acting quickly despite suffering serious injuries. Modi also told Machchhar that people across the country were praying for his recovery.

Machchhar became emotional during the conversation and described the call with the Prime Minister as a very special moment.

“You are my biggest idol,” Machchhar told PM Modi, while expressing his gratitude for the call.

The pilot said the attack left him badly injured, but he realised that he had to get back on his feet and act immediately.

“I was fighting for my life. I had fallen down, but I realised that if I did not get up, I would be dead,” he said while describing what happened during the flight.

Machchhar also spoke about his years of flying experience and said that even while injured, he understood the seriousness of the situation inside the cockpit.

He said he knew that the cockpit door had to be opened so that others could enter and help. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the door, after which passengers and other pilots were able to intervene and overpower the attacker.

The incident took place aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. According to reports, the aircraft experienced a sudden emergency after an altercation between the two pilots. Machchhar was stabbed during the confrontation.

Despite being wounded, he managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers and other pilots then helped bring the situation under control, while the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.

Reports said the aircraft had 174 persons on board. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Machchhar recalls chanting Hanuman Chalisa

During his conversation with PM Modi, Machchhar said that he often recites the Hanuman Chalisa when he faces difficult situations. He said he was doing the same during the attack.

The moment, he recalled, was one of extreme danger, but his focus remained on getting back into action and ensuring that the aircraft did not remain without proper control.

Machchhar also credited the other people on board for their role in bringing the situation under control. He said everyone played an important part after the cockpit door was opened.

PM Modi praises pilot's courage

PM Modi praised Machchhar for showing courage and determination while seriously injured. The Prime Minister had earlier publicly appreciated the pilot's actions, saying his courage helped prevent a major tragedy.

During Friday's conversation, Modi again wished Machchhar a speedy recovery and said the country was praying for him.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Machchhar's mother, Geeta Ben, and referred to the values with which she had raised her son.

For Machchhar, however, the conversation appeared to carry a deeply personal significance. He told Modi that he had never imagined that he would get an opportunity to speak with him.

Machchhar received emergency treatment after the aircraft landed in Tabuk and later underwent further medical care. He was subsequently moved to Abu Dhabi for continued treatment and recovery. Reports have said he was in stable condition.

The incident has since drawn international attention, with Machchhar receiving praise for his actions during the cockpit emergency.

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