By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and composure during a serious in-flight emergency, saying his actions reflected a strong sense of duty while the aircraft and passengers were facing grave danger.
Yogi Adityanath said Machchhar continued to perform his responsibilities despite sustaining serious injuries during the incident. In a post on X, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said the pilot’s presence of mind and efforts to protect those on board would be remembered, while also wishing him a speedy recovery.
Yogi Praises Captain’s Presence of Mind
Yogi described Machchhar’s conduct during the crisis as deeply commendable. According to the chief minister, the captain remained determined despite being injured and played an important role in protecting the lives of passengers and crew members.
Yogi said the pilot’s courage, presence of mind and commitment to his responsibilities would remain memorable. He also prayed to Lord Ram for Machchhar’s recovery, strength and good health.
The courage and sense of duty shown by Captain Smit Machchhar in the face of grave danger is deeply commendable.
Despite being seriously injured during the in-flight crisis, Captain Machchhar remained resolute and played a crucial role in helping protect the lives of those on…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) October 1, 2026
Rajnath Singh Says Nation Stands With Pilot
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his support for the Flydubai captain, saying the country took pride in his conduct during the emergency.
Singh said Machchhar put his own life at risk while carrying out his responsibilities and described his actions as reflecting the highest traditions of duty and service.
The Defence Minister said the pilot’s composure and courage would remain an inspiration, and wished him a speedy and complete recovery.
The nation stands with Captain Smit Machchhar and takes immense pride in his extraordinary courage.
Putting his own life on the line, he upheld the highest traditions of duty and service, helping protect the lives of everyone on board.
His courage, composure and sense of duty…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 1, 2026
Piyush Goyal Calls Machchhar a ‘True Hero’
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also praised the pilot, referring to him as a “true hero” following the incident.
Goyal said the aircraft experienced a sudden plunge of around 14,000 feet while Machchhar was seriously injured. According to Goyal’s account, the captain managed to regain control of the aircraft and helped save 174 people on board.
Goyal said Machchhar’s response under extreme circumstances demonstrated what he described as the courage and resilience of an Indian aviator. He also joined the calls for the captain’s speedy recovery.
The statements from the three Union and state leaders came as tributes poured in for Machchhar following the mid-air crisis. Their messages focused on his reported composure under pressure, his commitment to his responsibilities and the effort to protect passengers during the emergency.
For Machchhar, the episode has drawn public attention to the demanding responsibilities carried by pilots, particularly when an aircraft encounters a sudden and potentially life-threatening situation at cruising altitude.
