PM Modi Calls Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar A ‘Hero’ After Hijack Attempt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, for showing courage after an alleged attack during the flight and helping protect passengers and crew.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar continued to safeguard those on board, helping the aircraft divert to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

Taking to X, PM Modi described Machchhar as a hero and praised his courage and resolve. He said the pilot’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

“India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” PM Modi said, while praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.’

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

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar for what he called ‘extraordinary bravery’ in preventing a potential mid-air catastrophe.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu said Machchhar continued to act despite serious injuries. He said the pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and helped passengers and crew overpower the assailant.

Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented a major aviation disaster and saved 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.

The Israeli Prime Minister also wished Machchhar a speedy and full recovery, describing him as a true hero. He said the pilot’s actions demonstrated exceptional courage under extreme circumstances.

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

The incident drew praise from both leaders as Machchhar’s actions helped prevent the situation from escalating into a larger emergency.

His response also allowed passengers and crew to assist in containing the alleged attack.

PM Modi’s remarks highlighted the pilot’s efforts to protect those on board despite sustaining serious injuries during the incident.

Netanyahu similarly commended his actions and expressed concern for his recovery following the attack.

The two leaders issued their statements after the Flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk following the reported attack. Authorities will investigate the incident and determine what led to the diversion.

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