NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Indian aviator Captain Smit Machchhar as a national hero after the pilot prevented a catastrophic crash aboard a flydubai flight, standing his ground against a rogue co-pilot who attempted to sabotage the aircraft at 34,000 feet.
Despite being critically injured in the violent altercation, Captain Machchhar’s quick thinking and resistance enabled crew and passengers to intervene, ultimately saving all 174 lives on board the Tel Aviv-bound Boeing 737.
High-Level Praise and Support for the Hero Pilot
In a message shared on X, Prime Minister Modi praised the veteran aviator for his selflessness and resilience in the face of mortal danger:
“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. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar.”
Government sources confirmed that PM Modi spoke directly with Machchhar’s wife and parents to applaud his bravery and assured them that Indian diplomatic missions are on standby to provide all necessary assistance during his medical treatment.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also joined global voices in saluting Machchhar’s “extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind,” wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
Minutes of Terror: How the Mid-Air Crisis Unfolded
The mid-flight ordeal began on Wednesday morning when the Boeing 737 suddenly entered a terrifying dive, dropping thousands of feet per minute after the co-pilot attempted to crash the plane.
When Captain Machchhar stepped in to restore control, the assailant stabbed him. Even while heavily bleeding and injured, Machchhar fought back, resisted his attacker, and unlocked the secure cockpit door—allowing passengers and flight crew to enter and subdue the co-pilot.
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Emergency Landing: Two off-duty relief pilots traveling in the cabin took over the controls and safely diverted the flight to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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Life-Saving Care: A medical professional on board—a dentist—administered emergency first aid to Machchhar, stabilizing him until the flight touched down.
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Flight Credentials: Machchhar is a highly experienced pilot with over 9,750 flying hours on Boeing 737s. He previously flew for SpiceJet for a decade before joining the UAE-based carrier flydubai four years ago.
International Leaders Honor Indian Aviator
The brave stand by the Indian captain drew widespread international acclaim:
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Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Machchhar a “true hero,” expressing gratitude for his actions in saving Israeli citizens and international passengers alike.
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United States: U.S. President Donald Trump commended Machchhar’s sheer willpower to protect his passengers while denouncing the attacker’s sabotage attempt.
Following the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, Captain Machchhar was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, while passengers were later transported to their final destination at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.
