Captain Smit Machchhar saved us from another 9/11: PM Modi hails injured Flydubai pilot, says 'entire world is proud of him'

"The entire world is proud of him today." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who unlocked the cockpit door despite being stabbed, helping passengers and crew stop an alleged attempt to take control of the aircraft.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the UPSC, Modi recalled the incident and the praise it drew from abroad.

Also read: PM Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar's wife and parents, lauds his bravery


"Yesterday, an incident took place in which Indian Captain Smit displayed remarkable presence of mind and courage. As the Prime Minister of Israel said that an Indian saved us from another 9/11. Smit's bravery fills every Indian with pride," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said he had also spoken to the pilot's father, Bhupendra Bhai, his mother, Geeta Behen, and his wife, Sonal. "He is currently undergoing treatment," Modi said. He urged citizens to pray for Machchhar's long life and good health and to honour the pilot.

Government of India sources said Modi stressed that Indian missions are providing all possible assistance to the pilot and his family.

What happened on Flight FZ1073

Machchhar was the pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the incident took place on Wednesday. He was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, who stabbed him and allegedly tried to take control of the aircraft.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and other crew members to enter and overpower the attacker.

Flydubai said "an altercation occurred in the flight deck" and that the aircraft "was successfully secured by on-duty FlyDubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely". The plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is being treated at a hospital there. The passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv on another aircraft.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's "unbelievable courage". He said the pilot was badly wounded and bleeding heavily, but still unlocked the door as the aircraft went into a nosedive. Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun then rushed to the cockpit and pulled the attacker away from the controls, while other passengers and crew subdued him.

Leaders and aviation industry salute pilot

Earlier, Modi called Machchhar a "HERO" in a post on X. "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," he wrote.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the pilot's "extraordinary courage" and "remarkable presence of mind" saved hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the nation stands with Machchhar and his family. He added that the pilot is receiving medical attention and is safe.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said Machchhar had made every Indian proud. "From our skies to skies across the world, Indian pilots have earned respect for their skill, discipline and uncompromising commitment to safety," he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the pilot's courage saved the lives of 174 passengers. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called him "our Mumbai's son" and also saluted the passengers who worked together to handle the situation.

The Indian Mission in Saudi Arabia is in touch with the family. It has said it will keep following up on his health with Saudi authorities.

Machchhar's former employer, SpiceJet, also praised him. Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said protecting lives is a pilot's primary job. "What really saved lives was the fact that he was able to open the door of that cockpit," Singh said.

Also read: Captain Smit Machchhar is ‘true hero’: Netanyahu hails pilot after flydubai mid-air attack

He explained that the mechanism to unlock the cockpit door is on the co-pilot's side, which made Machchhar's action even harder while under attack. "This incident would have led to a loss of 180 lives... It is the crew ultimately that saves you and the crew did a stellar job," Singh said.

Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience and around 9,750 flying hours, mostly on Boeing 737 aircraft. Before Flydubai, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet as a Line Training Captain.

Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while an investigation into the incident is underway.