PM Modi speaks to flydubai pilot after mid-air cockpit attack prevention

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video call on Friday, 2 October, with Captain Smit Machchhar, the flydubai pilot who prevented a mid-air disaster after being attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, 30 September, involved flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 carrying more than 170 people. Mid-air struggle at 14,000 feet Flight tracking data and pilot testimony indicate the aircraft entered a steep descent during the altercation, losing nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Captain Machchhar, despite suffering multiple injuries and being forced to the cockpit floor, managed to unlock the cockpit door. This action allowed cabin crew and passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker, enabling a backup crew to take command of the controls. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with no fatalities reported among the 170 passengers and crew. Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk before being transferred to a hospital in Abu Dhabi for specialized medical care. Diplomatic and judicial response The call from Prime Minister Modi on Friday follows a visit by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, who confirmed that Machchhar is recovering well. During the video conference, Modi praised the captain’s composure under extreme pressure and extended support to his family. The Indian Embassy and Consulate remain in active contact with UAE health and…