Captain Smit Machchhar, the flydubai pilot who faced a life-threatening emergency during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, has shared a deeply personal account of the moments that followed the attack inside the cockpit. During a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, the injured pilot recalled how he managed to push himself into action despite suffering serious injuries and spoke about the source of strength he relied upon during those critical moments.
The incident occurred on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot. According to reports, the captain was seriously injured and fell inside the cockpit, but remained aware of the aircraft’s condition. His experience as a pilot allowed him to understand the seriousness of what was happening, and he realised that immediate action was necessary to prevent the situation from becoming catastrophic.
While speaking to Prime Minister Modi, Machchhar explained that he had been flying for many years and had spent 11 years as a captain. Even after being injured, he said he understood what was happening with the aircraft and knew that he had only a short window in which to act. He ultimately managed to reach and open the cockpit door, after which other people were able to intervene.
One of the most personal moments of the conversation came when Machchhar spoke about the Hanuman Chalisa. He said that whenever he faces difficult situations, reciting the devotional prayer gives him strength, and he was doing the same during the cockpit crisis. His account presents the prayer not as a substitute for professional action, but as a source of personal composure during an extraordinarily stressful situation.
Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar for his courage, presence of mind and composure. The interaction also became emotional, with the pilot expressing how significant it was for him to speak directly with the Prime Minister. Machchhar described Modi as his biggest idol and said the call was a special moment for him.
The conversation also brought attention to the human side of the incident. Modi spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and the values with which he had been raised, including teachings associated with the Bhagavad Gita. For the aviation industry, the episode underlines how cockpit preparedness, experience, rapid decision-making and emotional control can become crucial when normal procedures are disrupted by an unexpected emergency.
Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment after the injuries sustained during the incident. His conversation with the Prime Minister has brought wider public attention to an episode in which professional responsibility and personal resilience became closely intertwined.
