India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar.
Mpdi praised Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind after he was seriously injured during a mid-air attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During a video call on Friday, Modi told Machchhar that his courage, composure and quick thinking had helped save many lives. The captain, who is recovering in hospital, became emotional during the conversation as he recalled the ordeal.
“The whole country is praying for you,” Modi told Machchhar, adding that Maha Mrityunjay Jaap was being performed for his recovery.
“Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives.”
New Zealand trained pilot Machchhar told Modi that he had been seriously injured during the incident and was fighting for his life. He said he realised he had to get back up because otherwise the passengers could lose their lives.
The captain also told the Prime Minister that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa when he is in pain and that he continued reciting it during the terrifying incident.
“Whenever I am in pain, I recite Hanuman Chalisa. At that time too, I only kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.”
He also told Modi that receiving the call had made him extremely proud.
The conversation came two days after Machchhar was injured aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to reports, his co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him before the aircraft went into a steep descent.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped land the plane after it was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia and has since been transferred to the UAE for further treatment, according to reports.
Modi had already publicly praised the pilot, describing him as a “HERO” and saying his actions had helped avert a major tragedy. The Prime Minister said Machchhar had shown immense courage despite being seriously injured.
Modi also said on Thursday that Captain Machchhar had demonstrated “the highest form of courage” and that Indians were praying for his recovery.
The incident remains under investigation, while Flydubai has cautioned against premature speculation about what happened aboard the aircraft.
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