Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, for his courage during an in-flight crisis and said he had brought glory to India.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi said Captain Machchhar showed remarkable patience, presence of mind and courage during the incident.
The pilot suffered injuries while helping protect passengers and crew, leading the aircraft to divert to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
PM Modi said Captain Machchhar’s bravery had filled Indians with pride and noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had praised the pilot’s actions. He urged people to pray for Captain Machchhar’s speedy recovery and long, healthy life.
Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage.
Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening.
140 crore Indians salute Captain Smit and are praying for his well-being. pic.twitter.com/YGTA9CFCAg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
Earlier, PM Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar’s father Bhupender, mother Geeta and wife Sonal. He said Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the pilot, who is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it remained in touch with Captain Machchhar’s family and was awaiting a detailed update on his health.
The mission assured the family of assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi praised Captain Machchhar on X, calling him a hero who showed immense courage and unwavering resolve despite serious injuries.
PM Modi said the pilot’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
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
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Machchhar’s bravery in preventing a potential mid-air catastrophe. He said Captain Machchhar resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and helped passengers overpower him, saving 174 people. He wished him a speedy recovery.
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
Also Read: UPSC Centenary: PM Modi Attends 100th Anniversary Celebrations At Bharat Mandapam
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