Modi praises injured pilot who helped avert flydubai disaster

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during a mid-air emergency that ended with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being injured, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene before the aircraft landed in Tabuk.

Modi said in a post on X that Machchhar had shown exceptional courage and presence of mind. He said the pilot’s actions helped prevent a tragedy on the scale of the September 11 attacks and that Indians were praying for his recovery. The flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar is receiving treatment there, according to the report, which said he was recovering from injuries sustained in the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the pilot’s bravery. The incident involved a struggle for control of the aircraft after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar.

The report does not provide the co-pilot’s name or a final official conclusion about the motive. It says the event is being investigated and that the aircraft’s emergency landing allowed the passengers and crew to leave safely. Modi’s comments focused on Machchhar’s role in responding to the attack and helping create the opportunity for others to intervene.

The pilot remains under medical care.