Proud, showed immense courage: PM Modi praises Indian pilot for thwarting co-pilots hijack bid on Flydubai flight
Machchhar was reportedly attacked with a knife by the co-pilot but managed to open the cockpit door and seek help, preventing a possible disaster.
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped save 174 passengers on a Flydubai flight. Modi described him as a hero and praised his courage during the dangerous incident.
Machchhar has also been praised by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He was reportedly attacked with a knife by the co-pilot but managed to open the cockpit door and seek help, preventing a possible disaster.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” the PM said.
“In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” the PM said.
“India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” he added.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar, causing the aircraft to lose nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite being badly injured and covered in blood, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then overpowered the co-pilot. Two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Indian officials in Saudi Arabia said Machchhar was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. The Indian Embassy said he was in stable condition and that officials were in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, reportedly underwent surgery following the incident. He had previously worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years before joining Flydubai.
The exact reason for the confrontation between the two pilots is still unclear. Flydubai said the cause was under investigation and warned against drawing conclusions before all the facts were known. The airline also suspended its flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues.