Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally spoke over the phone with Captain Smit Machhar, the Indian pilot whose courage and presence of mind during the Flydubai FZ1073 flight emergency have drawn widespread praise. The Prime Minister enquired about the injured captain’s health, appreciated his bravery and wished him a speedy recovery.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi is learnt to have asked Captain Smit, “Where did you get so much courage from?” The captain reportedly responded with a smile and shared his experience of the incident, explaining how he handled the critical situation despite being seriously injured.

Captain Smit Machhar, the Indian commander of Flydubai flight FZ1073, has been widely praised for his actions during the emergency. His conduct has drawn attention because of the way he continued to focus on the safety of others even after suffering injuries himself. Prime Minister Modi had earlier described the captain as a “true hero”, praising his courage and presence of mind in a situation that could have resulted in a much larger tragedy.

The Prime Minister’s phone call on Friday came as a direct expression of appreciation for the captain’s bravery. Along with asking about his health, Modi congratulated him for his courage and determination and conveyed his wishes for his early recovery. The conversation also gave the injured pilot an opportunity to recount his experience directly to the Prime Minister.

The incident involving the Flydubai flight has since attracted considerable attention, with Captain Smit being recognised for remaining focused on his responsibilities during an extremely difficult situation. Despite being injured, he continued to act with the safety of passengers and others in mind. His actions have been described as an example of courage and presence of mind under pressure.

Prime Minister Modi had already praised the Indian captain on Thursday, highlighting the role played by his courage and quick thinking in preventing what he described as a potentially catastrophic situation. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that Captain Smit had displayed immense courage in the face of the most severe danger and despite suffering serious injuries.

Modi also said that the captain did not lose sight of his responsibility towards others and remained determined to protect lives. According to the Prime Minister, Captain Smit’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major disaster.

The direct conversation between the Prime Minister and the injured captain has now added another significant moment to the growing recognition of his actions. From the cockpit of the Flydubai flight to a conversation with the Prime Minister, Captain Smit’s experience has emerged as a story of courage, responsibility and composure in the face of an extraordinary emergency.