Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Pilot's Family Thanks Nation After Modi Calls Injured Flydubai Hero
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a flydubai plane when a serious problem happened on board.
His co-pilot attacked him, according to the report.
Machchhar was hurt, but he helped prevent an even bigger emergency.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
His family said he has a fractured hand and other cuts, but his condition is stable.
They were worried when they could not meet him during the first 24 to 36 hours.
The family felt relieved after speaking with him.
They also became emotional when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him.
His family thanked people across the country for their support.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured during an incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
The pilot helped avert a major in-flight crisis, and the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar's family said he was stable and recovering, with a fractured hand and cuts requiring stitches.
His in-laws said the family became emotional after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him on Friday.
The family thanked the public, the Government of India and the media for their support; BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar visited them in Mumbai.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his family, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- Machchhar was injured while helping avert an in-flight crisis; his family expressed gratitude and said he was stable.
- When
- Modi spoke with Machchhar on Friday; the family spoke to reporters and BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar visited on Saturday.
- Where
- The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; the family spoke to reporters in Mumbai.
- Why
- Machchhar's actions helped avert a major in-flight crisis after he was attacked by his co-pilot.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073
- Reported incident
- The pilot was attacked by his co-pilot and injured.
- Diversion
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Injuries
- A fractured hand, head injury, and cuts requiring stitches were reported.
- Condition
- His family said he was stable and would recover gradually.
- Family's response
- His in-laws thanked the public, the Government of India and the media for their support.