'India Is Proud': PM Modi Salutes Indian Pilot Who Averted Mid-Air Disaster
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who fought off an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to bring down a flydubai passenger aircraft, saying the country is proud of him.
In a post on X, Mr Modi described Captain Machchhar as a hero who, "in the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others". He said the pilot's actions had helped save hundreds of lives and averted a great tragedy, and wished him a speedy recovery and renewed strength.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also saluted the pilot's "extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind", and joined what he called countless voices from across the world in praying for his recovery.
The incident took place on Wednesday morning (IST) aboard a Boeing 737 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers on board, according to accounts from those on board and statements by officials. The aircraft was cruising at about 34,000 feet when, according to these accounts, the co-pilot attempted to interfere with the controls. The plane is reported to have descended rapidly, dropping at roughly 23,000 feet per minute before levelling off at about 15,600 feet.
Captain Machchhar, who was injured during the struggle, is reported to have restrained the co-pilot and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Passengers seated near the front helped pull the man away from the cockpit. Two relief pilots seated at the rear then took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
A dentist on board is reported to have provided emergency care to the injured pilot. After landing, Captain Machchhar and the co-pilot were taken to hospital, while passengers were attended to at the airport terminal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Captain Machchhar, saying he had displayed "extraordinary behaviour" and was a "true hero". He said the pilot had saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. United States President Donald Trump called the pilot a hero for his presence of mind despite serious injury, and described the co-pilot as a "terrorist".
Captain Machchhar, an Indian citizen, has worked with flydubai — a low-cost carrier owned by the Government of Dubai — for four years. Before that, he spent a decade with India's SpiceJet. His professional profile lists more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, including extensive service as a line training captain, and over 9,750 flying hours.
The episode has focused attention on cockpit security and on the protocols that allow cabin crew and passengers to respond when a flight deck is compromised. Aviation regulators worldwide require cockpit doors to be reinforced and kept locked in flight, with strict rules on who may enter.
Much of what is known about the sequence of events rests on accounts given by people on board and on statements by officials, and the details may be revised as investigations proceed. The co-pilot has not been convicted of any offence, no motive has been officially confirmed, and authorities have not announced the outcome of any inquiry.
