PM Modi Hails Pilot Smit Machchhar for Saving Passengers
Indian captain praised for saving lives after cockpit attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight
- PM Modi calls Captain Machchhar a “HERO”.
- Pilot was seriously injured during the cockpit incident.
- Flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Investigations into the incident are underway.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage after he was seriously injured during a cockpit altercation on a Flydubai flight and helped avert a potential tragedy involving more than 170 passengers.
Modi, in a post on X, said Machchhar showed “immense courage” and an “unwavering resolve” to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured.
“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” the Prime Minister said, adding that India was proud of the pilot and praying for his speedy recovery.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports said the aircraft encountered a serious cockpit altercation involving the captain and co-pilot while at cruising altitude. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by the co-pilot and sustained injuries. Despite being wounded, he helped open the cockpit door, allowing cabin crew and passengers to enter and assist in restraining the attacker.
The aircraft reportedly experienced a sharp loss of altitude during the incident before being diverted to Tabuk. Reports differ on the exact number of people aboard, with accounts citing 174 passengers and describing the total number of people on board as more than 180.
Machchhar, an Indian national and experienced Boeing 737 pilot, has worked with Flydubai since 2022 and previously spent around 11 years with SpiceJet, according to media reports.
The circumstances surrounding the cockpit altercation, including the motive of the co-pilot, remain under investigation. Reports said the co-pilot was taken into custody by Saudi authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised Machchhar and others involved in preventing the incident from escalating.
