PM Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar on a video call (Photo source: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and enquired about his health, praising the courage he showed during the incident on the airline's flight. Despite being seriously injured, the captain gave priority to the safety of those on board.

During the conversation, Modi said the entire country was praying for his speedy recovery. According to news agency ANI, the Prime Minister described the captain's courage, presence of mind and composure as a decisive step that saved many lives.

Modi also told Captain Machchhar that prayers were being offered across the country for him and that a Mahamrityunjaya chant was being performed for his health. He linked the captain's courage to the spirit among Indians of being ready to risk even their own lives to save others.

What was the incident?

The incident took place on 30 September on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar during the flight. Despite serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, which helped the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker. The aircraft was later made to land in an emergency at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

Safety of passengers given top priority

According to reports, Captain Machchhar prioritised the safety of the people on board, alongside saving himself. Reports said more than 170 people were on the aircraft. Some off-duty pilots also helped in landing the aircraft safely. Captain Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment, and later reports described his condition as stable.

Captain Smit Machchhar's aviation career

Captain Machchhar has considerable flying experience. He worked with SpiceJet for more than a decade and joined Flydubai in June 2022. According to reports, he has thousands of hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Prime Minister had earlier also publicly praised Machchhar's courage. The video call also brought out Captain Machchhar's own experience of the incident, giving a clearer human angle to the episode. The Indian mission is in touch with his family and the officials concerned, and it has been said that help with his treatment will be provided.