21 Powerful Quotes on Courage: Captain Smit Machchhar & flydubai

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, has drawn praise from world leaders after an attack on board the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. Here are 21 verified quotes from the captain, Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu, Benjamin Netanyahu and others, each with the speaker and date.

What happened

The flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Israel after a violent incident on board. Passengers helped subdue the attacker, and the captain says he pushed to reopen the cockpit door while fearing for his life. Israel and the UAE have both launched investigations, which are still ongoing.

Captain Smit Machchhar's own words

"I thought I'm going to die, and that's when I pushed against everything."

1. Captain Smit Machchhar on reopening the cockpit door, speaking to Netanyahu. 3 October.

"I know God saved me."

2. Captain Smit Machchhar to PM Modi, from hospital. 2 October.

Quotes from India's leaders

"Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage."

3. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. 1 October.

"Your courage, valour and quick thinking saved the lives of so many people."

4. Narendra Modi, in his conversation with the captain. 2 October.

"The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar."

5. Droupadi Murmu, President of India. 1 October.

"I salute his indomitable spirit."

6. Droupadi Murmu, from the same tribute. 1 October.

"Join the countless voices from across the world in saluting his valour and praying for his speedy recovery."

7. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister. 1 October.

"His bravery in the face of such a difficult situation is truly commendable."

8. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, after meeting the captain's relatives. 1 October.

Tributes from Israel, the UAE and the US

"You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel. And you are a hero of the entire world."

9. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, to the captain. 3 October.

"His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero."

10. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. 2 October.

"I see you and I see a lion – a big hero."

11. Benjamin Netanyahu, to passenger Yaniv Hayun after his return to Israel. 30 September.

"Thank you for saving the lives of 170 people."

12. Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel, to Yaniv Hayoun. The number is his own wording. 2 October.

"Their heroism in the face of terror averted catastrophe."

13. Mike Huckabee, after the passengers reached Israel. 30 September.

Quotes on the investigation and aviation security

"We will act in every way to investigate the incident thoroughly together with our Emirati partners."

14. Isaac Herzog, President of Israel. 30 September.

"We trust our Emirati partners that they will bring as much information as possible."

15. Isaac Herzog, on CNN. 7 October.

"Those who are supposed to identify the crew are security officials. We are not security officials."

16. Miri Regev, Israel's Transportation Minister, on who screens crews. 3 October.

"The government's job is to make 100% sure that this doesn't happen again."

17. Yair Lapid, Israeli Opposition Leader, in a radio interview. 4 October.

"You were alerted, yet you took no action."

18. Keren Terner, former Director General of Israel's Transportation Ministry, addressing Regev. 4 October.

"This is exactly what system collapse looks like."

19. Yair Golan, leader of Israel's Democrats Party. Reported 5 October.

Political assessments, not established findings

These are the speakers' own views, given while the investigation is live. Please read them as opinions, not conclusions.

"attempted jihadist terror attack"

20. Israel Katz, Israel's Defence Minister. 30 September.

"We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination."

21. Benjamin Netanyahu, on the co-pilot's background, in a Fox News interview. 1 October.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Captain Smit Machchhar? He is the Indian captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, praised by leaders including PM Modi and President Murmu.

Is the investigation finished? No. Israeli and UAE authorities are still investigating, so claims about motive remain unconfirmed.

Why these words matter

The quotes that last are the quiet ones. The captain's own sentence is a confession of fear, and it says more than any tribute. We wish Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery.

Quotes are short excerpts as reported by Reuters, The Times of Israel, Indian Express, NDTV, Moneycontrol, The Jerusalem Post and other website..