PM Modi Praises Captain Machchhar for Bravery in Protecting Lives During Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for saving 174 lives after the co-pilot attack, calling him a national hero.
- On Wednesday, Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar regained control of flight FZ1073 after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- During the altercation, the aircraft reportedly dropped about 17,000 feet in less than two minutes. Passenger Almog Italie described the plane first dropping amid "massive turbulence" for around 20 to 30 seconds before stabilizing.
- Using "muscle memory," Captain Machchhar handled the emergency and saved 174 lives despite being stabbed, according to Dr. Jinit Shah, a urologist and neighbor. His training as a pilot and instructor reportedly proved critical.
- After spending six hours in Saudi Arabia, passengers including 166 Israeli citizens were flown to Israel on a replacement aircraft. Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the pilots prevented a "9/11 disaster," while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar's "extraordinary courage," adding that India is proud of the pilot's resolve.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Indian pilot hailed as 'hero' after cockpit struggle
But for friends and neighbours in the Mumbai suburb where his parents live, the courage came as little surprise. They describe Machchhar, who is in his 30s and holds more than a decade of flying experience, as a soft-spoken, helpful and "always smiling" man who has remained calm under pressure since childhood. "We did not expect any less from him -- it did not come as a surprise," said Akshay Doshi, who has known Machchhar for around 15 years an…
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets Global Salute: Netanyahu, Trump, PM Modi & President Murmu praises courage & bravery
TEL AVIV/NEW DELHI: World leaders have hailed the bravery and timeliness of the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as he averted a major crash of the FlyDubai Flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His courage, bravery and swift action that saved hundreds of lives has been applauded by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Trump. The Indian pilot was seriously injured in a cockpit confrontation aboard …
'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing a Flydubai flight from crashing after being stabbed by his co-pilot. His friend, Dr. Jinit Shah, attributes his ability to avert the tragedy to "muscle memory" and his extensive pilot training. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar's immense courage.
Captain Smit Machchhar's 'muscle memory' helped him avert tragedy after being stabbed, says doctor
Captain Smit Machchhar successfully thwarted an attempted crash on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining injuries from a stabbing, he demonstrated remarkable skill in handling emergencies. His friend highlighted that his quick decision-making and training may have contributed to his actions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar for his bravery in protecting lives during the crisis.
NEW DELHI (ANP/AFP) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian pilot who was attacked with a knife by his co-pilot on a FlyDubai aircraft on Wednesday. In a message on X, he called him a "hero". "Despite the extreme danger and although he was seriously injured, he showed..."
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

























