President Murmu, PM Modi praise Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for saving Israel-bound flight from crash
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for preventing a potential disaster on a flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed by his co-pilot during an altercation, Machchhar successfully landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia, saving the lives of 174 passengers.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a rare and critical aviation security threat involving cockpit personnel and underscores the international recognition of Indian citizens in global emergency situations.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 1, 2026) hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who saved hundreds of lives after he thwarted his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a Dubai flight.
The Prime Minister has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar and applauded Captain Smit’s bravery, according to government sources.
The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk city. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
During the altercation inside the cockpit with the co-pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed .
PM Modi also stressed that Indian missions are providing all possible help.
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