‘Recited Hanuman Chalisa’: Indian Pilot Stabbed on Flydubai Flight Tells PM Modi on Video Call

New Delhi, October 2, 2026: Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was seriously injured in a mid-air cockpit attack on a flydubai flight, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call on Friday and recounted the terrifying moments aboard the aircraft.

During the emotional conversation, Machchhar said that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa after being attacked by his co-pilot and drew strength from his faith while trying to regain control of the situation.

The pilot told Modi that whenever he faces difficult circumstances, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said he continued doing so during the incident, even after sustaining multiple injuries.

‘I was fighting for my life’

Machchhar described how he realised that the aircraft was descending rapidly while he was lying injured inside the cockpit.

“I was fighting for my life,” he told Modi, explaining that he knew he had to get back up because otherwise the passengers could be in danger. He said his experience as a pilot helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft even while he was seriously injured.

Machchhar said he eventually managed to reach and open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered and helped restrain the attacker, while another pilot team took control of the aircraft.

Flydubai flight plunged thousands of feet

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Reuters, the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds after the cockpit attack. There were 174 people aboard, according to the report.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar received initial medical treatment there before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued treatment and recovery.

The attacker, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the incident.

Machchhar tells Modi: ‘You are my biggest idol’

Machchhar became emotional while speaking to the Prime Minister and told him that Modi was his “biggest idol.” He said he had never imagined that he would get an opportunity to speak directly with him.

Modi praised the pilot's courage, presence of mind and composure during the emergency and told him that people across India were praying for his recovery.

Modi also spoke about Machchhar's mother and the values with which he had been raised. The Prime Minister wished the injured pilot a speedy recovery.

Pilot's account of the cockpit attack

Machchhar said that after he was attacked and fell to the floor, he could still sense that the aircraft was going down. Despite his injuries, he forced himself to act and opened the cockpit door.

His actions enabled passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the co-pilot, after which the aircraft was safely brought under control and diverted to Tabuk.

The investigation into the attack is continuing, while Machchhar remains under medical care in Abu Dhabi.