Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a "hero" for fighting off his co-pilot during an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, as details emerged of how the seriously injured captain's actions helped save 174 people on board.
Two prime ministers praise the captain
"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," Modi said in a post on X. "His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy," he said, adding that India was proud of the pilot and praying for his speedy recovery.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also described Machchhar as a "true hero," saying the Indian pilot's actions, along with those of passengers and crew, prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster. US President Donald Trump has also praised Machchhar after speaking to Netanyahu about the incident.
What happened on flight FZ1073
Flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, when a violent confrontation broke out in the cockpit. According to Israeli officials and passenger accounts, the co-pilot — reported to be an Omani national — allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 went into a steep descent, losing nearly 14,000 feet in less than a minute, before emergency procedures were initiated. Despite his injuries, Machchhar is reported to have opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot. Two off-duty flydubai pilots travelling as passengers also helped regain control of the aircraft, according to reports.
The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers later continued their journey to Israel on another flight. The co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities. The motive remains unclear and is under investigation; flydubai has urged against premature speculation.
The pilot's background
Machchhar, who hails from Mumbai, joined flydubai in 2022 after spending about 11 years with Indian airline SpiceJet. He has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft and is reported to have around 9,750 hours of flying experience. Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia said he is receiving medical attention at a hospital in Tabuk and is reported to be stable, with the embassy in touch with his family.
Sources: PM Modi hails Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as 'hero' for foiling flydubai crash attempt — The New Indian Express (with inputs from PTI), Captain Smit Machchhar: The flydubai "Hero" Indian Pilot Who Saved 174 Lives — NDTV, 'Out of harm's way': Covered in blood, Capt Machchhar released cockpit door — The Tribune
Two prime ministers praise the captain
"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," Modi said in a post on X. "His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy," he said, adding that India was proud of the pilot and praying for his speedy recovery.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also described Machchhar as a "true hero," saying the Indian pilot's actions, along with those of passengers and crew, prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster. US President Donald Trump has also praised Machchhar after speaking to Netanyahu about the incident.
What happened on flight FZ1073
Flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, when a violent confrontation broke out in the cockpit. According to Israeli officials and passenger accounts, the co-pilot — reported to be an Omani national — allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 went into a steep descent, losing nearly 14,000 feet in less than a minute, before emergency procedures were initiated. Despite his injuries, Machchhar is reported to have opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot. Two off-duty flydubai pilots travelling as passengers also helped regain control of the aircraft, according to reports.
The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers later continued their journey to Israel on another flight. The co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities. The motive remains unclear and is under investigation; flydubai has urged against premature speculation.
The pilot's background
Machchhar, who hails from Mumbai, joined flydubai in 2022 after spending about 11 years with Indian airline SpiceJet. He has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft and is reported to have around 9,750 hours of flying experience. Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia said he is receiving medical attention at a hospital in Tabuk and is reported to be stable, with the embassy in touch with his family.
Sources: PM Modi hails Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as 'hero' for foiling flydubai crash attempt — The New Indian Express (with inputs from PTI), Captain Smit Machchhar: The flydubai "Hero" Indian Pilot Who Saved 174 Lives — NDTV, 'Out of harm's way': Covered in blood, Capt Machchhar released cockpit door — The Tribune
