Indian PM Modi Comforts Hero Pilot Injured in Mid-Air Attack

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of a Flydubai flight who was severely injured while fighting off his co-pilot during an attack. Machchhar, hospitalized after the incident, recounted the dramatic moments in the cockpit to Modi, describing how he was repeatedly stabbed but managed to open the cockpit door, preventing a potential aviation disaster. The flight was en route to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and crew aboard.

Machchhar, who has been flying for 17 years and a captain for 11, told Modi that he felt the plane dive thousands of meters after being attacked. "I was fighting for my life," Machchhar said, recalling that he collapsed to the floor. He explained that he knew he had to make one last effort to open the door, despite sustaining further blows. "I knew for sure: 'If I make just one last push, just one last effort... the door is right there.' And even though I took more and more hits, the moment I opened it, everyone went in. Everyone had an equal part in it. I told myself I was doing it for my life, but at the same time, I knew I couldn't let everyone there die."

He also praised the medical care he received in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the emergency landing, stating he could not have received better attention. During the emotional conversation, Machchhar shared his personal feelings and his faith, reciting a Hindu prayer, the Hanuman Chalisa, during the ordeal. He expressed immense pride and gratitude for Modi's call, breaking down in tears. Modi responded with warmth, saying, "Smit, if you don't get emotional with me, then who will you get emotional with?"