Stories
PM Modi Assures Support to Captain Smit Machchhar's Family After Heroic Mid-Air Rescue
N
News18•01-10-2026, 15:12
PM Modi Assures Support to Captain Smit Machchhar's Family After Heroic Mid-Air Rescue
- •Prime Minister Modi spoke to the family of Captain Smit Machchhar, who saved 180 air passengers, assuring them of all necessary assistance.
- •PM Modi praised Captain Smit's extraordinary bravery and mental fortitude in saving hundreds of lives during a mid-air emergency on a Flydubai flight.
- •Speaking with Captain Smit's injured wife Sonal, father Bhupendra Bhai, and mother Geeta Ben, PM Modi lauded his courage and quick wit.
- •Despite being severely injured during an altercation with the co-pilot, Captain Smit managed to signal for help and ensure an emergency landing.
- •Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump praised Captain Smit's heroic act, preventing a major aviation disaster.
Key Questions Answered
Despite being brutally attacked by the co-pilot during a mid-air altercation, Captain Smit Machchhar opened the cockpit door and signaled for help, allowing flight attendants and passengers to subdue the attacker and safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Captain Smit's injured wife Sonal, father Bhupendra Bhai, and mother Geeta Ben by phone to praise his extraordinary bravery and assure them that all necessary assistance would be provided.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot for preventing a disaster comparable to 9/11, and US President Donald Trump also commended his heroic act.
