Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the family of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who was injured while responding to an attack on board the aircraft.
PM Modi praised Captain Machchhar’s courage and assured his wife and parents of all possible assistance.
The Prime Minister said Indian missions were extending the necessary support to the pilot, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is in contact with the family and coordinating assistance with Saudi authorities.
Earlier, PM Modi had praised Captain Smit Machchhar on X for his actions during the incident.
In his post, PM Modi called Captain Machchhar a ‘HERO’ and said the pilot showed immense courage and an unwavering determination to protect others despite suffering serious injuries. He said Captain Machchhar’s valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
PM Modi wished him a 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
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Captain Machchhar’s actions and paid tribute to his bravery.
In his post, Netanyahu said Captain Machchhar continued to resist despite suffering stab wounds and serious injuries. He said the pilot opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
Netanyahu said the incident could have cost the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, and wished Captain Machchhar a full 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
The incident occurred during Flydubai flight FZ1073, when an attacker reportedly stabbed and injured Captain Machchhar.
The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk, where the pilot received medical treatment.
Indian authorities remain in contact with his family as further details about his condition and the circumstances of the incident emerge.
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