New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke via video call with flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped foil his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight, and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the emergency.
During the conversation, Machchhar told Modi that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa whenever he faces difficult situations. He said he was reciting the prayer during the tense moments aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as well.
Machchhar became emotional during the interaction and described speaking with the Prime Minister as a special moment. He also told Modi that he considered him his “biggest idol”.
Smit tells PM Modi about Hanuman Chalisa
During the video call, Machchhar shared that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa has been a source of strength for him whenever he encounters difficulties.
He told the Prime Minister that he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the emergency aboard the flight.
Modi listened to Machchhar’s account of the ordeal and praised his composure and determination to protect the passengers and crew.
The Prime Minister told the pilot that the entire country was praying for his recovery.
PM Modi praises pilot’s courage
Modi said Machchhar’s actions demonstrated courage and a resolve to protect the lives of people onboard.
The Prime Minister said India could take pride in the fact that Indians are not people who take lives but are willing to risk their own lives to save others.
Modi had earlier publicly praised Machchhar’s courage and described his actions as an example of extraordinary bravery during the flight emergency.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents and praised the pilot’s bravery.
Modi speaks about Smit’s mother
During the conversation, Modi also referred to Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben.
The Prime Minister said she had raised her son with values and teachings associated with the Bhagavad Gita.
Machchhar told Modi that receiving the call had made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined getting an opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister.
The interaction came as Machchhar continues to recover from injuries sustained during the alleged attack aboard the aircraft.
What happened aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when it transmitted emergency signals and rapidly lost altitude.
The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, was diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
According to accounts provided by Israeli officials and passengers, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls and systems.
Machchhar sustained serious injuries but reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
Several passengers helped overpower and restrain the alleged attacker, while pilots travelling as passengers subsequently assisted in taking control of the aircraft.
Passengers rush to cockpit
Accounts that emerged after the incident described passengers responding when the aircraft began descending sharply.
Israeli passengers Yaniv Hayun, Assaf Rajuan, Zvika Manes and Dr Shota Musaev were among those who intervened.
Hayun helped pull the alleged attacker away from the controls and subsequently assisted with stabilising the aircraft. Rajuan and Manes helped restrain the suspect, while Musaev, a dentist, provided medical assistance to the injured captain.
Two pilots travelling as passengers later entered the cockpit and helped fly the aircraft until it landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Videos circulating on social media showed Machchhar injured and wearing an oxygen mask while lying in the aircraft’s galley.
Investigation underway
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Machchhar’s actions, saying the pilot helped prevent what he described as a “9/11-like” disaster.
The UAE has launched an investigation into the incident. The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, including the motive, remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, Machchhar is receiving medical care in Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister’s interaction with the pilot came amid widespread expressions of support and prayers for his recovery.
The video call also highlighted Machchhar’s own account of how he remained composed during the emergency and drew strength from the Hanuman Chalisa while facing a life-threatening situation.