PM Modi Praises Captain Machchhar for Bravery in Protecting Lives During Crisis
Modi said the injured pilot showed courage and presence of mind as 174 passengers were saved after the cockpit struggle.
- On Wednesday, Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar regained control of flight FZ1073 after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- During the altercation, the aircraft reportedly dropped about 17,000 feet in less than two minutes. Passenger Almog Italie described the plane first dropping amid "massive turbulence" for around 20 to 30 seconds before stabilizing.
- Using "muscle memory," Captain Machchhar handled the emergency and saved 174 lives despite being stabbed, according to Dr. Jinit Shah, a urologist and neighbor. His training as a pilot and instructor reportedly proved critical.
- After spending six hours in Saudi Arabia, passengers including 166 Israeli citizens were flown to Israel on a replacement aircraft. Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the pilots prevented a "9/11 disaster," while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar's "extraordinary courage," adding that India is proud of the pilot's resolve.
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Donald Trump, Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated him on his performance during the air incident
Indian pilot hailed as 'hero' after cockpit struggle
But for friends and neighbours in the Mumbai suburb where his parents live, the courage came as little surprise. They describe Machchhar, who is in his 30s and holds more than a decade of flying experience, as a soft-spoken, helpful and "always smiling" man who has remained calm under pressure since childhood. "We did not expect any less from him -- it did not come as a surprise," said Akshay Doshi, who has known Machchhar for around 15 years an…
On cam: PM Modi hails flydubai jet's Indian pilot - 'Israel said another 9/11 averted…'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit for his patience, presence of mind and courage during an incident in which, Modi said, an Indian helped prevent a “9/11-style tragedy.” Modi also spoke with Smit’s parents, Bhupendra and Gita, and his wife, Sonal, as he continues treatment. The Prime Minister urged citizens to pray for Smit’s long life and good health, saying his actions have brought pride to India.
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets Global Salute: Netanyahu, Trump, PM Modi & President Murmu praises courage & bravery
TEL AVIV/NEW DELHI: World leaders have hailed the bravery and timeliness of the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as he averted a major crash of the FlyDubai Flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His courage, bravery and swift action that saved hundreds of lives has been applauded by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Trump. The Indian pilot was seriously injured in a cockpit confrontation aboard …
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