Indian flydubai Pilot Praised as Hero by Netanyahu and Modi
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has received praise from Indian Prime Minister and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his courage and quick thinking during a mid-air attack on a Flydubai flight.
Despite suffering serious injuries after being attacked by his co-pilot, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and helping prevent a potentially serious disaster.
The incident took place on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 carried 182 people, including 174 passengers, when the confrontation occurred. According to flight-tracking data cited by multiple reports, the aircraft dropped by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before the situation was brought under control.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Applauds Captain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind during the incident. In a post on X, Modi called Machchhar 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,” Modi said.
Indian Embassy Assures Recovery Of Smit Machchhar
According to India’s Embassy, the Indian Flydubai captain who was attacked during a flight to Israel on Wednesday has been moved to Abu Dhabi for further treatment and is “recovering well.”
According to Israeli officials and passengers on board, Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the incident but managed to release the cockpit door while he was on the floor. This enabled passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and restrain the co-pilot. Other qualified pilots travelling on the aircraft then helped bring the plane under control before it was diverted to Tabuk.
For now, investigators are examining what led to the confrontation inside the cockpit and how the co-pilot was able to carry out the attack.
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