‘I Was Reciting Hanuman Chalisa, Had Seconds to Act’: Captain Smit Tells PM Modi

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped avert a major mid-air disaster after being attacked inside the cockpit of a FlyDubai flight, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call on Friday and recalled how he gathered the courage to act despite having only seconds to respond.
During the conversation, Smit told the Prime Minister that he had been continuously reciting the Hanuman Chalisa for courage when the attack occurred.
“I have been a pilot for 11 years. After I was attacked and fell down, I knew exactly what was going on and also that I had only a few seconds to act,” Smit told Modi. He said he gathered the energy to open the cockpit door, after which other passengers rushed in.
Smit was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His actions helped passengers and crew gain access to the cockpit and overpower the attacker. Earlier reports said the aircraft was carrying 174 people.
Captain Smit Shifted to Abu Dhabi
After receiving initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Captain Smit was shifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical care and recovery.
The video call with Prime Minister Modi took place at the Abu Dhabi medical facility. The Prime Minister's Office later released footage of the conversation.
The Government of India has been closely monitoring Smit's health. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said he was in good health and recovering well, while India's Ambassador to the UAE also met him at the hospital.
PM Modi Praises Captain's Courage
Prime Minister Modi praised Smit for his courage, presence of mind and determination during the emergency.
Modi told him that his actions had demonstrated to the world that Indians “save lives” and do not take lives. The Prime Minister also spoke to Smit in Gujarati and referred to prayers being offered at revered religious sites, including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath, for his speedy recovery.
Smit told Modi that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa every day. Although he lives outside India, he said he continues to follow Indian values and culture.
‘I Was Thinking About How to Save Lives’
Recalling the moments following the cockpit attack, Smit said his primary thought was what he could do to protect the passengers.
He told the Prime Minister that after being stabbed by his co-pilot, he focused on what action he could take to save lives. He eventually managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter.
Other passengers helped restrain the attacker, while off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft assisted in stabilising the plane. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Modi Speaks to Smit's Family
Prime Minister Modi also told Smit that he had spoken to his parents and praised his mother, Geeta Ben, for maintaining her composure during the difficult situation.
Modi said he admired the values that Smit's mother had instilled in him and linked them to the lessons of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Smit, in turn, told the Prime Minister that he had never expected to get an opportunity to speak with him and described Modi as his ideal.
‘The Whole World Wants to Speak to You’
During the conversation, Modi told Smit that people across the world wanted to speak to him and that India was waiting to welcome him.
The Indian government continues to coordinate with authorities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia regarding Smit's treatment and the investigation into the cockpit attack. India's diplomatic mission in the UAE has also assured the family of all possible support.
Meanwhile, Captain Smit has received praise from leaders in India and abroad for his actions during the flight. Prime Minister Modi had earlier described his response to the emergency as an example of courage, patience and presence of mind.
The Tribune has also reported that the Government of India is considering Captain Smit Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award.