Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot seriously injured during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, government sources said.
Machchhar is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after being attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. Modi praised his courage during the conversation with his family and said Indian missions were providing all possible assistance, the sources said.
The Prime Minister had earlier publicly praised Machchhar as a "HERO", saying the captain's actions had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
Pilot's actions helped passengers enter cockpit
Machchhar was the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident unfolded.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit, after which the aircraft went into a steep descent. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker.
The aircraft was then diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that the aircraft lost nearly 14,000 feet in around 30 seconds during the incident. All 174 passengers were subsequently accounted for, while off-duty pilots on board helped with the emergency landing after the captain was incapacitated.
An Israeli official said the co-pilot was an Omani national, although officials have not officially released his name. The motive behind the attack remains unclear and the incident is under investigation.
PM Modi hails captain's courage
Modi had earlier described Machchhar as a "HERO", praising his conduct after he was seriously injured.
"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy," Modi said in a post on X.
"India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," he added.
During his conversation with Machchhar's family on Thursday, Modi again commended the captain's bravery and assured them that Indian missions in the region were coordinating with the relevant authorities and providing all possible support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Machchhar's actions. The captain's efforts have been widely credited with helping prevent the situation from developing into a larger aviation disaster.
Experienced Boeing 737 captain
Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours, predominantly on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Before joining flydubai, he spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain. He joined flydubai as a captain on its Boeing 737 fleet in June 2022, according to information cited in earlier reports.
Reports have also identified Machchhar as an Indian national based in Dubai.
Flydubai suspends Israel operations
Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel following the incident. The airline said the suspension would allow authorities to continue their investigation and establish the facts surrounding what happened aboard FZ1073. It said it remained in coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders.
The incident has prompted further scrutiny of aviation security, particularly cockpit access and pilot screening. Israeli authorities have indicated that additional checks of pilots operating foreign airlines could be introduced.
The investigation into the cockpit attack is continuing, while Machchhar remains under treatment in Tabuk.