New Delhi: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread praise after his actions during a serious mid-air emergency aboard a Flydubai flight helped prevent a potential tragedy.
Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when he was reportedly attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot. The aircraft then went through a sharp descent before the situation was brought under control.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. Additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control, and the plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. All 174 people on board were ultimately safe.
President Droupadi Murmu praised Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Indian pilot as a hero and said his actions helped save lives and avert a major tragedy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also praised Machchhar for showing extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger and wished him a speedy recovery.
Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia and has been reported to be in stable condition. The Indian Embassy has remained in contact with him, his family and the Saudi authorities.
The incident is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet established the motive behind the attack. Flydubai has also cautioned against speculation while investigations continue.
The dramatic incident has drawn international attention to the actions of the Indian captain, whose response during the emergency, along with the intervention of passengers and crew, played an important role in bringing the aircraft safely to the ground.
