'I recite Hanuman Chalisa...': PM speaks to Smit Machchhar, pilot says 'you are my biggest idol'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call and praised the Indian pilot for his courage, presence of mind and composure during the mid-air crisis.

The interaction turned emotional as Machchhar spoke to the Prime Minister, describing it as a special moment. He also told Modi that he was his biggest idol.

PM Modi praises Smit’s courage

During the conversation, Modi told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for him. He also praised his actions during the emergency, saying the incident reflected the courage of Indians willing to put themselves at risk to protect others.

PM Modi said the country could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others.

The prime minister also spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, and said she had brought him up with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Pilot recalls difficult moment

Machchhar said receiving the prime minister’s call made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined he would get an opportunity to speak with him.

The captain also spoke about what helped him remain composed during the difficult moment. He said that whenever he faces a difficult situation, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa.

Machchhar told Modi that he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis as well.

The conversation came after Machchhar was seriously injured during an attack by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight. Despite the situation, he remained involved in efforts that helped passengers and crew members respond to the emergency.

The video call between Modi and Machchhar highlighted the pilot’s experience during the crisis, as well as the personal significance of the interaction for the injured captain.

Pilot helped passengers enter cockpit

Machchaar was commanding Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people when the co-pilot allegedly attacked him during the journey. The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency and unlawful-interference codes before making a sharp descent.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchaar managed to open the cockpit door. This enabled passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the attacker.

Two off-duty pilots who were travelling as passengers also assisted in taking control of the aircraft. The flight was eventually diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers and crew members were reported safe and accounted for following the emergency landing.

Flight makes sharp descent

Flight-tracking data showed that the Boeing 737 descended rapidly during the crisis. The aircraft dropped from around 33,000 feet to approximately 17,000 feet in less than a minute before its flight path became erratic near the Jordanian border.

The incident triggered an emergency response as authorities began looking into what happened inside the cockpit and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Netanyahu praises Indian captain

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchaar for his actions during the emergency and described the Indian captain as a hero.

Netanyahu said Machchaar continued to act despite being seriously injured, opening the cockpit door and allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker.

The incident has since drawn attention to the captain’s actions in helping prevent the situation from escalating further and ensuring that the aircraft could be brought to a safe landing.