Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, October 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the phone with the family of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who has been receiving treatment after being seriously injured in a violent incident inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight. According to government sources, the Prime Minister spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents to enquire about his health and assured the family of the government’s continued support.

Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk after a violent confrontation reportedly broke out inside the cockpit. Reports said Machchhar was injured during an alleged attack by his co-pilot but continued to respond to the emergency. The incident is under investigation and several details surrounding the sequence of events remain subject to official inquiry.

During his conversation with Machchhar’s family, Prime Minister Modi is understood to have praised the pilot for the courage and sense of responsibility he displayed during the crisis. According to the government sources cited in the report, Modi said that Machchhar’s determination and presence of mind helped prevent what could have developed into a major tragedy in mid-air and contributed to the safety of the passengers on board.

The Prime Minister also enquired about the pilot’s current medical condition and wished him a speedy recovery. Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reports citing the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said that his condition was stable and that he was receiving medical care following the incident.

Modi also assured the family that Indian diplomatic missions abroad were extending all necessary assistance to the injured pilot and his family. The Prime Minister reportedly told them that the Indian Embassy and other diplomatic representatives would remain available to provide support and coordination during the treatment and recovery process.

The government is also closely monitoring the medical treatment being provided to the injured pilot, according to the sources cited in the report. The focus, officials said, remains on ensuring that Machchhar receives the necessary medical attention and that his family receives appropriate assistance while he remains in Saudi Arabia.

The incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073 has attracted international attention after the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia following the reported cockpit altercation. The flight, travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv, landed safely at Tabuk after passengers and crew members intervened during the emergency. Reports said other pilots on board also assisted in regaining control of the aircraft.

Machchhar, an Indian pilot who has been flying with Flydubai since 2022, has subsequently received public recognition for his actions during the incident. Reports on his professional background indicate that he previously spent more than a decade with SpiceJet and has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft.

For Machchhar’s family, the Prime Minister’s phone call came at a difficult moment as they await his recovery in Saudi Arabia. The conversation focused on his health, the support being extended to him and his family and the assistance available through India’s diplomatic mission.

The investigation into the cockpit incident continues, attention remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the actions of the crew and passengers that helped bring the aircraft safely to the ground. Meanwhile, the Indian government has indicated that it will continue to monitor Captain Machchhar’s condition and ensure that the necessary assistance is available to him and his family during his treatment abroad.