New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after he fended off an alleged attack by his co‑pilot on a flydubai flight, sustaining serious injuries but helping prevent what could have been a catastrophic mid‑air disaster., agencies reported.
In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. 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. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.”
The incident unfolded on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying about 180 people, most of them Israeli nationals. As the aircraft neared Israel, it suddenly dropped thousands of feet, broadcast a hijack alert and veered off course before making an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed in the cockpit and badly hurt, yet he kept fighting, unlocked the door and let others in. Passengers and crew then stormed the cockpit, pinned down the attacker and regained control of the plane.
Saudi authorities took the co‑pilot into custody for interrogation, while both pilots were treated at a hospital in Tabuk; Machchhar is reported to be in stable condition. After the ordeal, passengers were flown to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft.
