Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the mid-air cockpit confrontation aboard a flydubai flight, saying his actions prevented a potential 9/11-like incident. Machchhar was injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to crash the aircraft.
PM Modi said he also spoke to Captain Smit's father, mother, and wife. "Today, I also spoke with his father, Bhupendra; his mother, Gita; and his wife, Sonal. He is currently undergoing treatment. Today, the entire world is proud of him,"
In his telephonic conversation with the pilot's wife and parents, Modi also stressed that Indian missions are providing all possible help to the injured pilot, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to pray for Machchhar's long life and good health and to salute the pilot for bringing glory to India.
