‘I can't let anyone die’, flydubai pilot tells India PM Modi

On Friday, Captain Smit Machchhar spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi. Machchhar recounted how he bravely fought to keep the plane in the air after being attacked by his co-pilot, whose actions threatened to crash the aircraft carrying 174 passengers. In his account, Machchhar emphasized that he focused on saving all aboard rather than protecting himself.

He drew strength from Hanuman Chalisa and made a final effort to open the cockpit door, allowing others to overpower the attacker and regain control of the plane. Machchhar spoke of his determination not to let others die, describing the moment when he realized the plane was going down. He praised the quick actions of those who rushed into the cockpit to seize the violent co-pilot.

Raw emotions overwhelmed Machchhar as he spoke to Modi, calling the PM his idol. The Prime Minister praised Machchhar's courage, stating that he had boosted the prestige of 140 crore Indians and saved everyone on board. Modi also thanked the governments of Saudi Arabia and UAE for their care of Machchhar during his recovery. Referring to online reactions, Modi noted that many wondered what India and its pilots might have suffered if the attacker had succeeded.

The Prime Minister ended the call by sharing his pride in Machchhar, saying the conversation was filled with emotions. Machchhar expressed his gratitude, feeling proud to have spoken to Modi and excited about returning to India to greet his countrymen. The pilot, who performs puja each morning and recites Hanuman Chalisa with his two-year-old son on his lap, said work may keep him outside India but not away from its culture.