'I Was Injured But Couldn't Let Passengers Die': Captain Smit Machchhar To PM Modi, tell me about this news today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video call with Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot widely hailed for averting a major airborne disaster aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During their interaction, Captain Machchhar recounted the harrowing cockpit attack to the Prime Minister, explaining that even after suffering severe stab wounds, his singular priority remained protecting everyone onboard:

• The Cockpit Incident: Mid-flight, Captain Machchhar was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot in what officials described as an attempted crash. Despite severe blood loss and physical trauma, Machchhar fought back and managed to unlock the armored cockpit door from inside, enabling cabin crew and passengers to breach the flight deck, overpower the attacker, and safely secure the aircraft.

• The Call with PM Modi: Speaking from the hospital where he is recovering, an emotional Machchhar detailed the sequence of events, stating that despite being gravely injured, he could not allow the passengers to die.

• Commendation: Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar’s extraordinary courage, composure, and presence of mind, noting that his heroism prevented a catastrophic “9/11-like” tragedy and saved around 180 lives. The Prime Minister emphasized that Machchhar’s valor not only protected innocent people but also brought immense pride to the nation and aviation professionals worldwide.