President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 1, 2026) hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who saved hundreds of lives after he thwarted his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a Dubai flight.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. His bravery and quick response helped prevent a major tragedy and saved many precious lives. “I salute his indomitable spirit. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health,” the President wrote on X.
The Prime Minister has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar and applauded Captain Smit’s bravery, according to government sources. Calling Captain Smit Machchhar a “HERO”, PM Modi said, “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. Lauding Captain Machchhar’s “courage and incredible presence of mind”, the President said, “Even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others. Earlier reporting noted: During the interaction, Modi applauded the bravery of Machchhar, whose actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy, the sources said. Earlier reporting noted: The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the family and ensuring that the necessary support was extended, the sources said.
Earlier reporting noted: PM Modi speaks to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s wife and parents after he leads brave landing of flydubai flight: Sources Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Government of India sources said.
