President Murmu, PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar Laud Captain Smit Machchhar's Courage in Flydubai Incident
Oct 01, 2026
Agartala, Oct 1: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in preventing a mid-air disaster aboard a Flydubai flight, after the aircraft's co-pilot allegedly stabbed him and attempted to crash the plane a day earlier.
Saudi authorities arrested an Omani co-pilot after he allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The attack caused the aircraft to plunge roughly 17,400 feet in under two minutes. However, passengers and crew members, including off-duty personnel, breached the cockpit, subdued the attacker and helped stabilise the aircraft. The flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
In a social media post, President Murmu said Captain Machchhar's heroic courage and incredible presence of mind had touched everyone, and that the nation was proud of him. She noted that even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others. His bravery and quick response, she said, helped prevent a major tragedy and saved many precious lives. The President also prayed for his speedy recovery and good health, and saluted his indomitable spirit.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also said Captain Machchhar's exceptional courage and presence of mind in the face of grave danger commanded the highest respect and admiration. In a social media post, Mr Radhakrishnan noted that despite being seriously injured, the captain's determination and decisive action mid-air helped avert a catastrophic tragedy and protect the lives of those on board. He added that the nation was proud of this extraordinary hero and prayed for his speedy and complete recovery. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar lauded Captain Machchhar's extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind during the incident. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said the captain had saved hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy even in the face of grave danger.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said Captain Machchhar had proved that true heroes rise in the darkest hours. In a social media post, Mr Singh commended the Indian pilot for putting the safety of others first despite severe injuries, and said he had prevented a massive catastrophe through selfless bravery. He added that the entire country held him in the highest regard and prayed for his complete and swift recovery. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also praised the captain's bravery, noting that despite being gravely injured, he showed courage that saved the lives of many.
The spokesperson said Captain Machchhar is receiving medical attention and is safe, adding that the nation proudly stands with him and his family. He too prayed for the captain's speedy recovery. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, met Captain Machchhar's family in Dubai. In a social media post, the External Affairs Ministry said the Ambassador conveyed the government's full support and assistance for the captain's welfare and wellbeing.
The incident drew reaction well beyond India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz described the event as a severe security incident and a suspected terrorist attack. Mr Netanyahu described Captain Machchhar, an Indian national, as a true hero who saved the lives of 174 people on board the Israel-bound flight, saying he had displayed extraordinary bravery by fighting back and preventing a mid-air disaster.US President Donald Trump also hailed Captain Machchhar as a hero for fighting off a knife attack from the Omani co-pilot, opening the cockpit door and calling for help to foil the attempt to crash the aircraft.
According to India's Embassy in Riyadh and its Consulate General in Jeddah, officials are closely monitoring the captain's health. In a statement, the Indian Embassy said Captain Machchhar is currently admitted to a hospital in Tabuk and is receiving medical treatment. The embassy said initial reports indicate his condition is stable, and that the Indian mission is in touch with his family and is extending all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
The sequence of events, as described by officials, began when the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain mid-flight and attempted to crash the aircraft, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The resulting dive of nearly 17,400 feet in under two minutes put all 174 people on board at grave risk.
It is learned that passengers and crew, including off-duty personnel travelling on the flight, acted swiftly to breach the cockpit and overpower the attacker, allowing the aircraft to be stabilised and diverted to Tabuk Regional Airport, where it landed safely. Saudi authorities subsequently arrested the Omani co-pilot in connection with the incident. Israeli leaders have characterised the episode as a suspected act of terrorism, while Indian and American leaders have focused their statements on the captain's conduct during the crisis.
Captain Machchhar remains under medical observation in Tabuk, with Indian diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE coordinating support for him and his family. Officials have indicated that his condition is stable, though further updates on his recovery are awaited. The incident has brought together an unusual range of voices, from India's President and Vice President to the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the United States, all converging on a similar message: that Captain Machchhar's actions in the air prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy.
