Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” for his courage in protecting passengers despite being seriously injured during an altercation in the cockpit of a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident took place on Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday ( September 30). The Boeing 737 was carrying 174 passengers when an altercation broke out inside the cockpit while the aircraft was flying towards Tel Aviv.
According to accounts from Israeli officials and passengers, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The situation became even more critical when the plane suddenly lost thousands of feet in altitude before passengers and crew members intervened.
Reacting to the incident, PM Modi praised the Indian captain's courage and said his actions helped prevent a major tragedy. "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," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. The Prime Minister also wished the injured pilot a speedy recovery, praying for "speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health".
