Injured after an alleged co-pilot attack, Captain Smit Machchhar is being praised by leaders including Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan for his courage and presence of mind.
Dubai/Tel Aviv: Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with flydubai, is being hailed internationally for his extraordinary courage after reportedly fighting off an attack by his co-pilot during a flight carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to accounts from Israeli officials, the incident occurred while the aircraft was in the air. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured by the co-pilot in what officials described as an attempt to take control of the aircraft and cause a catastrophic crash. Despite suffering serious injuries, the Indian captain is said to have retained enough presence of mind to activate the cockpit door release and call for help.
That crucial action allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. Two other flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers reportedly assisted in taking control of the aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk, where he continues to recover from his injuries.
Captain’s courage helped avert tragedy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Machchhar as a “true hero”, praising what he called the Indian pilot’s extraordinary bravery. Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions helped prevent a major air tragedy and potentially saved the lives of all 174 people aboard, including Israeli citizens and passengers of other nationalities.
Accounts from passengers also highlight the dramatic moments inside the aircraft. Israeli dentist Shota Musayev was reportedly among those who provided first aid to the injured captain. According to accounts cited by Israeli media, Machchhar was bleeding heavily from injuries to his head and hands.
Passengers helped control the bleeding and remained with the injured pilot. Despite his condition deteriorating again around the time of landing, Machchhar was eventually taken to hospital for treatment.
Passengers become part of the rescue
The captain’s decision to open the cockpit door appears to have been a crucial turning point. Once the door was opened, passengers and crew members were able to intervene and restrain the co-pilot.
One Israeli passenger, described by US President Donald Trump as a plumber, was also credited with playing a dramatic role in overpowering the attacker. Trump said the passenger entered the cockpit, pulled the co-pilot away from his seat and helped restrain him with the assistance of others.
Trump described the incident as an “incredible story” and praised Machchhar’s presence of mind, saying the pilot was in extremely serious condition but still managed to call for help.
PM Modi praises Indian pilot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar, saying his courage, patience and presence of mind had made the country proud. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission in New Delhi, Modi said the Indian pilot’s actions had helped avert a major tragedy.
The Prime Minister also said he had spoken to Machchhar’s family and enquired about his health, while appealing to people to pray for the pilot’s recovery.
Dubai Crown Prince visits Captain Smit
Recognition has also come from the United Arab Emirates, where Captain Machchhar serves as part of the flydubai team.
Dubai Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the injured pilot in hospital and praised his courage, responsibility and concern for human life.
Following the visit, Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE was proud to have Captain Smit as part of its team and described his actions as reflecting the nation’s values of “compassion, peace and life.”
From the cockpit to the cabin, the incident became a story of courage under unimaginable pressure. Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions, supported by the passengers and crew who stepped forward when help was desperately needed, are now being remembered as a remarkable example of presence of mind and human courage in the face of danger.
CAPTAIN SMIT THE HERO IN THE SKY
– By AG
Photo source: Social media