PM Modi Speaks With Captain Smit Machchhar in Hospital: I Couldn’t Let All Those People Die

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during the mid-air crisis aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, has spoken publicly about the terrifying moments that unfolded inside the aircraft.

While recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, Captain Machchhar spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a video call on October 2, 2026. During the emotional conversation, he described how, despite being seriously injured, he managed to reach the cockpit door and open it at a critical moment when the aircraft was losing altitude.

Smit Machchhar Recalls the Critical Moments

Captain Machchhar explained that his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening when the aircraft began going down.

Despite being badly injured and trapped inside the cockpit, he realised that the aircraft was in serious danger. He made a final effort to reach the cockpit door and open it.

According to reports, opening the door allowed passengers, cabin crew and reserve pilots to intervene. The situation was brought under control, and the aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The incident involved 174 passengers and eight crew members, with all 182 people on board surviving the emergency.

“I Couldn’t Let All Those People Die”

During his conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Machchhar explained that his thoughts remained focused on the passengers even while he was seriously injured.

He described making the final push to open the cockpit door because he knew that other people's lives were at risk.

His account highlighted the split-second decisions he had to make while dealing with severe injuries and a rapidly developing emergency.

Machchhar has said that he has 17 years of flying experience and has served as a captain for 11 years. His training and experience helped him understand the seriousness of the situation and respond during the emergency.

Captain Smit Says He Recited Hanuman Chalisa

One of the most emotional parts of the conversation was when Captain Machchhar spoke about his faith.

He told Prime Minister Modi that whenever he is in pain, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said that during the frightening incident, he continued reciting it.

Machchhar explained that the prayer gave him spiritual strength while he was struggling through the critical moments.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the role of faith in helping the pilot remain strong during his recovery.

PM Modi Checks on His Health

Prime Minister Modi began the conversation by asking about Machchhar's health and wishing him a speedy recovery.

The Prime Minister praised his courage, presence of mind and composure during the emergency, saying that his actions helped save many lives.

Modi also expressed gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the medical assistance provided to the injured pilot.

Captain Machchhar is currently recovering in Abu Dhabi after being transferred from Saudi Arabia for continued medical treatment.

An Emotional Conversation Between Modi and Machchhar

The conversation became emotional when Captain Machchhar told Prime Minister Modi that he considered him his biggest ideal and had never imagined that he would get an opportunity to speak with him.

Prime Minister Modi also recalled his earlier conversations with Machchhar's family and spoke warmly about his parents and wife.

The Prime Minister praised Machchhar's mother, Geeta Ben, for the values she had instilled in her son and spoke about the family's strength during the difficult period.

The two also spoke in Gujarati during the conversation, with Modi asking about Machchhar's young children and family.

Modi Highlights the Spirit Behind His Actions

The conversation took place on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2.

Prime Minister Modi referred to the occasion while speaking about Machchhar's actions. He said that the pilot had demonstrated the essence of non-violence by putting his own life at risk to protect others.

Modi also said that Machchhar's actions had protected the dignity and standing of Indian pilots around the world.

The Prime Minister assured Machchhar that the entire country was praying for his recovery and wished him renewed strength and good health.

What Happened Aboard Flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During the flight, Captain Machchhar was seriously injured in an incident involving the co-pilot. The aircraft subsequently experienced a dramatic loss of altitude.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door. Passengers and other crew members then intervened, while reserve pilots helped stabilise the aircraft.

The Boeing 737 was eventually diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing.

A Story of Courage and Survival

Captain Smit Machchhar's account has provided a clearer picture of the critical moments inside the aircraft and the decisions he made while seriously injured.

His conversation with Prime Minister Modi also revealed the personal side of the incident — his determination to protect the passengers, his reliance on his training and experience, and the spiritual strength he drew from the Hanuman Chalisa.

The investigation into the incident is continuing, and authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident and the actions of those involved. Therefore, some details remain subject to official findings.

For now, Captain Machchhar is continuing his recovery in Abu Dhabi, while his story continues to receive attention in India and internationally.

His own explanation of those crucial moments makes one thing clear: even while fighting for his own survival, he was thinking about the lives of the people on board.