Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, for his courage in helping avert a major in-flight crisis after he was seriously injured during an alleged cockpit attack.
Calling Machchhar a “HERO”, PM Modi said the pilot displayed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured.
“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” the Prime Minister added.
The incident took place on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli officials, an altercation broke out in the cockpit after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the co-pilot. Two additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the plane safely at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar for his actions, describing him as a hero who helped prevent a potential aviation disaster.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions, along with the intervention of passengers and crew, helped save the lives of those on board. Israeli officials said 174 people were saved in the incident.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also praised Machchhar, saying he fought back after being stabbed and managed to unlock the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
An Israeli passenger, Yaniv Hayoun, was also credited with helping subdue the attacker. Netanyahu later praised Hayoun for his role in the incident.
Machchhar stable after surgery
Following the emergency landing, Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said he was stable and that Indian authorities were in contact with his family and Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance. Reports said he underwent surgery following the incident.
Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, has been a captain with Flydubai since June 2022. Before joining the UAE-based airline, he spent around 11 years with Indian carrier SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and line training captain. His professional profile lists more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft.
(With agency inputs)
