PM Modi Praises Captain Smit Machchhar for Saving 174 Lives
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a serious incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people onboard when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and the aircraft went into a rapid descent.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The attacker was subdued, while two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers helped regain control of the aircraft. The plane was subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar and the passengers involved in stopping the incident. Netanyahu described the episode as a potential major aviation disaster, while the motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Israeli authorities have also announced tighter checks on pilots flying into the country following the incident.
PM Modi also publicly hailed Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero, praising his courage and presence of mind while facing grave danger. The Prime Minister said Machchhar's actions helped avert what could have become a “9/11-style tragedy.” Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and has been reported to be stable.