Indian Pilot Recalls Cockpit Attack And Prayer In Call With PM Modi

Captain Smit Machchhar spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video call on Friday to discuss a violent mid-air incident that took place two days earlier.

The Cockpit Attack And Rescue

Machchhar was flying a Boeing 737 carrying 174 passengers from the United Arab Emirates to Israel when his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him inside the cockpit above Saudi Arabia. Despite severe wounds that caused him to collapse, the captain crawled to unlock the cabin door so others could step in and stop the assailant. A plumber on board helped manage the aircraft during a steep descent, and other pilots diverted the journey for an emergency landing in Tabuk. The injured captain later moved from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates for medical care, where the Indian ambassador visited him to check on his recovery.

Conversation With The Prime Minister

During their emotional virtual meeting, Machchhar told the Prime Minister that reciting a traditional prayer gave him strength during the crisis, adding that speaking with him felt like an extraordinary honor. The Prime Minister praised the pilot for his courage and calmness, while also thanking his mother, Geeta Ben, for instilling strong values in him. Modi remarked that citizens should feel proud because Indians prefer saving lives over taking them.

Context

Mid-air security emergencies inside aircraft cockpits are extremely rare, and standard aviation protocols require strict access controls to protect flight decks. When critical crew members are incapacitated, backup procedures and the presence of off-duty aviation professionals among passengers can sometimes help manage unexpected crises.