In phone call, PM Modi lauds courage of flydubai pilot, hears his account of mid-air incident

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Captain Smit Machchaar to commend the pilot's courage following a mid-air incident on flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight, bound for Tel Aviv, was en route from Dubai with 174 passengers, including 27 children, when the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. Machchaar, who suffered severe injuries from the co-pilot's stabbing, recounted the harrowing experience to the prime minister during a video call.

The pilot emphasized that his decision to take control of the situation was instantaneous and helped save countless lives. Modi expressed his pride in Machchaar's actions, stating that Indians are known for saving lives rather than taking them. He also praised the pilot's presence of mind and composure during the crisis. The pilot, a 17-year veteran of the aviation industry, attributed his ability to act quickly to the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional Hindu scripture, which he recites during difficult times.

Modi conveyed his appreciation to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their support of Machchaar, who remains hospitalized. The Indian pilot's bravery has enhanced the nation's reputation, according to Modi, who also spoke in Gujarati to the pilot, hailing from Gujarat.