Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar's wife and parents, lauds his bravery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the wife and parents of Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar after he was seriously injured during an incident aboard Flight FZ1073, government sources said on October 1 in New Delhi. Modi praised Machchhar’s bravery, saying his actions helped avert a major mid-air tragedy and save hundreds of lives, and added that Indian missions are providing all possible assistance. Machchhar, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, unlocked the cockpit door despite injuries so passengers and crew could intervene. The aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he is receiving medical treatment. Modi and other officials described him as a “HERO.”