Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the family of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, after he suffered injuries while helping avert a major in-flight crisis.
PM Modi praised the pilot’s bravery and assured his family of all possible assistance.
Sources said PM Modi spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents and praised his courage in protecting passengers and crew.
The Prime Minister also said Indian missions were providing necessary assistance to the pilot, who is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it remained in touch with Machchhar’s family and was awaiting a detailed update on his health.
The mission also assured the family of all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
Earlier, PM Modi praised Machchhar on X as a hero who showed immense courage and unwavering resolve despite his injuries.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
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.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
He said the pilot’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
Machchhar was attacked during the flight, following which the aircraft diverted to Tabuk. PM Modi wished the pilot a speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar for what he described as extraordinary bravery in preventing a potential mid-air catastrophe.
My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.
Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2026
Netanyahu’s office said the attacker stabbed and seriously injured Machchhar, but the pilot resisted, opened the cockpit door and helped passengers and crew overpower the assailant.
Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented a potentially major aviation disaster and saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.
The Israeli Prime Minister wished Machchhar a speedy and full recovery and described him as a true hero.
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