Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi How He Made ‘One Last Push’ to Save Flydubai Passengers

Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped prevent a major tragedy after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has recalled the moment he made one final attempt to reach the cockpit despite being severely injured.

Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone on Friday, Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand that the aircraft was in danger after he collapsed to the floor following the attack.

“When I was down on the floor, I sensed that the aircraft was going down. And I knew for sure: ‘This is the one last push, Smit. Just do it. The door is right there.’ Even as blows were still landing on me, I just managed to open it, sir. Then everyone else arrived. The others also played an equal role in this,” he told Modi.

Captain Smit Machchhar recalls final attempt to reach cockpit

Machchhar said that while he consciously believed he was fighting for his own survival, he also knew that he could not allow the passengers on board to die.

“Consciously, I was telling everyone that I was acting for my own survival, but at the same time, I knew deep down that I could not let all of them die,” he said.

The captain told Modi that he had been flying aircraft for 17 years and had served as a captain for 11 years.

“I have been flying planes in aviation for 17 years. I have been a captain for the last 11 years. Even with my eyes closed, I know exactly what is happening with the aircraft,” Machchhar said.

PM Modi praises Captain Smit Machchhar

Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar's courage, patience and presence of mind during the incident, saying his quick decisions helped save lives.

“Your courage, your patience, and your presence of mind. You made crucial decisions in fractions of a second and saved so many lives. Today, the entire nation can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives—we are people who save lives,” Modi told him.

The Prime Minister also assured Machchhar that he could contact him whenever he needed help.

“Smit, whenever you need me, I am just a phone call away,” Modi said, adding that India was waiting to welcome him back.

People across the country, Modi said, were praying for Machchhar's recovery and long life.

Machchhar recalls reciting Hanuman Chalisa during ordeal

Machchhar, who is recovering from his injuries at a hospital in the UAE, also spoke about how he remained calm during the incident.

“Whenever I feel afraid, only one thing comes to mind: I recite the Hanuman Chalisa. Even during that ordeal, I was continuously reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. I know that God's grace was with me,” he said.

He also told Modi that he regularly recites the Hanuman Chalisa with his two-year-old son. Machchhar said his family had made an effort to remain connected with Indian culture while living outside the country.

The captain became emotional during the conversation and told the Prime Minister, “I never thought I'd be talking to you right now.”

“If you aren't emotional in front of me, then where will you be?” Modi responded.

Captain confident of recovery

Machchhar said he was confident about recovering from his injuries, while acknowledging that the process would take time.

“I am thinking of it as a journey that will happen slowly. And it will take time, but I am very, very confident that I will recover. And I will be completely healthy,” he said.

Modi also expressed gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the assistance provided to Machchhar following the incident.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had praised the captain's “patience, presence of mind, and courage”, saying his actions helped prevent what he described as a “9/11-style tragedy”.

The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot. Despite sustaining injuries, he managed to reach the cockpit door and helped ensure the aircraft landed safely.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for Machchhar, praising his courage and presence of mind.

Special prayers and religious rituals have also been held at temples across India for the captain's speedy recovery.

With inputs from ANI