Flydubai Attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” for his actions during the Flydubai flight incident that left him seriously injured and helped avert what could have been a major disaster.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi praised Smit Machchhar’s courage after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” PM Modi said, adding, “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.”
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PM Modi said Smit Machchhar’s actions helped save hundreds of lives.
“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” the Prime Minister wrote, while praying for his “speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.”
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.
India is proud of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
The flight, carrying around 180 passengers, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an incident in the cockpit triggered emergency signals and a sharp change in altitude.
Read more: Stabbed In Cockpit, How Indian Captain Helped Avert Disaster, Save All 174 On Flydubai Flight
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight?
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after being stabbed during the alleged attack but continued to resist and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and other crew members then entered the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker, allowing the aircraft to be brought under control.
Netanyahu described Smit Machchhar as a “true hero”, saying his actions prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Smit Machchhar was taken to hospital. He underwent surgery and was subsequently reported to be in stable condition.
Read more:‘A True Hero’: Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar For Foiling Flydubai Attack
Flight Sent Hijack Emergency Code
The Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency codes during the incident. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft first transmitted squawk 7700, the internationally recognised code for a general emergency, before switching to 7500, which indicates unlawful interference such as a possible hijacking.
The signal prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets amid fears that the aircraft could have been hijacked. The aircraft also reportedly dropped sharply in altitude during the incident before diverting to Tabuk.
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