PM Modi contacts family of injured flydubai captain after cockpit assault

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, was seriously injured after his co‑pilot attacked him, but he managed to unlock the cockpit door and help land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft entered a steep descent before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and completed an emergency landing. Machchhar, with more than 13 years of commercial experience and about 9,750 flying hours on Boeing 737s, is now in intensive care at a Tabuk hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents, praising his bravery and calling him a hero on X. Modi said India is providing all possible assistance through its missions in the region. The co‑pilot, identified only as an Omani national, has not been named publicly as the investigation continues. Flydubai has temporarily halted flights to and from Israel while authorities review security procedures. Machchhar previously spent over 11 years with SpiceJet as a Line Training Captain. The Prime Minister’s statements highlighted the pilot’s “immense courage” and the nation’s prayers for his speedy recovery. ## Context Incidents of cockpit aggression are rare, prompting airlines and regulators to revisit security protocols. Indian diplomatic missions often step in to support citizens abroad during emergencies, coordinating medical care and family assistance.