By Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchaar on Friday and praised the pilot for his courage during a mid-air emergency involving a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchaar, who was seriously injured during the incident, briefed the prime minister on what happened and the circumstances that prompted him to act.
Government sources said Modi appreciated Machchaar’s determination in responding to the crisis and wished him a speedy recovery. The prime minister also spoke with the pilot’s wife and parents, conveying his appreciation for Machchaar’s actions during the emergency.
The conversation came a day after Modi publicly described Machchaar as a “HERO” while addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission. He said the pilot had displayed courage and resolve despite being seriously injured and facing a dangerous situation.
Modi had said Machchaar’s actions helped protect the lives of passengers and prevent what could have become a major tragedy. Referring to comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the incident, Modi also said Machchaar’s bravery was a source of pride for Indians.
The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft reportedly issued emergency signals before making a sudden descent of more than 17,000 feet. It had been flying at around 34,000 feet when the sharp descent occurred.
The aircraft was eventually diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people on board, including 27 children.
Images and videos shared on social media after the incident showed Machchaar seriously injured inside the aircraft. He was seen covered in blood and wearing an oxygen mask while lying in the aircraft’s galley.
What happened inside the cockpit
According to an account cited by Netanyahu, an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft entered a spin and began losing altitude during the incident. The account said a passenger and a member of the crew managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the co-pilot.
The co-pilot was alleged to have attacked Machchaar with a knife while attempting to interfere with the aircraft’s systems. The precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the actions taken inside the cockpit were described through accounts of those involved in the incident.
During his conversation with Modi, Machchaar reportedly shared details of the emergency and spoke about what gave him the courage to respond. The prime minister’s call focused on recognising his actions and supporting his recovery following the incident.
The episode has drawn attention to the role of cockpit crews in handling extreme emergencies, particularly when an aircraft is already at high altitude and carrying a large number of passengers. Machchaar’s condition and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flight remain central to understanding the full sequence of events.
