‘I recited Hanuman Chalisa’ during attack: Flydubai pilot to PM

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New Delhi:Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the mid-air emergency on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, in which he was attacked by his co-pilot. During a video call on Friday, Modi praised Machchhar for remaining calm under pressure and for his efforts to protect those on board. The prime minister also wished him a speedy recovery. During

Machchhar told Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis. He said he turns to the prayer whenever he finds himself in difficult situation. The pilot also described the incident and explained what helped him stay composed during the emergency, according to officials familiar with the conversation.

Modi told Machchhar that people across India were praying for him and thanked him for helping save the lives of passengers and crew.

The incident took place  during the Flydubai flight travelling from the UAE to Israel. Machchhar was injured during the confrontation but continued to respond to the emergency. The flight was eventually brought to safety after the situation in the cockpit was brought under control.