From Hanuman Chalisa to opening cockpit door: Flydubai pilot recounts terrifying attack to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, praising the Indian pilot for his courage and presence of mind during a mid-air cockpit attack that was thwarted after Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite being seriously injured.

During the video call, Machchhar recounted the ordeal and told Modi what gave him the courage to act. The pilot became emotional while speaking to the Prime Minister and recalled how he pushed himself to intervene despite his injuries.

Also Read: 'Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero': PM Modi hails former pilot SpiceJet pilot aboard Flydubai flight


While speaking to PM Modi, Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar says, "Whenever I am in pain, I recite Hanuman Chalisa. At that time too, I only kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa...Today, one call from you makes me feel really proud."

"I had never thought I would get a chance to speak to you, sir," said Machchhar to PM Modi.

“You are my biggest idol. I feel proud of the way you are encouraging me today. I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act. At the time, I told pushed myself to open the cockpit door,” he added.

Modi praised Machchhar's composure and told him that the entire country was praying for his recovery.

“The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjay Jaap is being done for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others.”

"Bharat is eager to welcome you. Yesterday, special prayers were held across the country for your health," PM Modi told Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar.

"I thank the Saudi and UAE governments for taking care of you. I assure you that I am only a phone call away whenever you need me," PM Modi assures pilot.

Machchhar, a former SpiceJet pilot and current Flydubai captain, was attacked by his co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and others on board to intervene and restrain the attacker.

India's ambassador to the UAE, Dipak Mittal, said Machchhar is now in a stable condition and recovering well in a UAE hospital. Mittal, who met the pilot and his family, said Machchhar's morale was high.

“I just met him along with his family here, in the hospital, in UAE, and he's doing well. I was very relieved to see, and very reassured, that he's doing well, he's quite stable. He was talking, he was chatting, a bit of discomfort, but I think he's under good medical care here in UAE,” Mittal told Prasar Bharati.

Mittal described Machchhar as a “brave son of India” and praised his response during the emergency. The ambassador said the Indian Embassy remained in constant touch with officials and was monitoring the pilot's treatment.

The conversation with Modi came a day after the Prime Minister publicly praised Machchhar's actions, saying the pilot's courage had helped avert a major tragedy.

“The incident that occurred, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen of our country, Smit's valour fills us with immense pride,” Modi had said.

Modi had also spoken to Machchhar's parents and wife about his condition.

“I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him,” he said.

New footage captures chaos after cockpit attack

Meanwhile, new footage released by Israel's Channel 12 has offered a glimpse of the chaos inside the aircraft after the attack.

The video, filmed from a seat near the cockpit, captures passengers shouting after Machchhar was attacked. One person can be heard saying, “he tried to crash the plane”, while others shout “take him out” towards the cockpit and ask passengers to remain seated. Calls for a doctor follow as people rush to help the injured pilot.

Also Read: Former SpiceJet pilot at centre of Flydubai mid-air incident

An Israeli dentist, identified as Dr Shota Musayev, is seen rushing towards the front of the aircraft to provide medical assistance. Another passenger asks whether another pilot is on board and is told that there is one.

The footage then shows a bloodied Machchhar lying outside the cockpit. He tells another passenger, “the copilot hit me so many times”, and says that although he can move his injured hand, he can no longer squeeze it shut.

The aircraft later makes an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where medics attend to Machchhar. Passengers tell ground staff that the co-pilot is “a terrorist” as police arrive at the aircraft. The footage ends with Machchhar speaking to medics about his injured hand.

The incident is being investigated by authorities in the UAE, while Israeli investigators are also involved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as radical Islamist indoctrination. That assessment remains part of the ongoing investigation into the attacker's motive.

The co-pilot is being interrogated as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether it was premeditated. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, landed safely after the emergency.