Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed for his bravery after he helped avert a potential catastrophe aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, despite being seriously injured in an alleged attack by his co-pilot.
Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. The aircraft was forced into a steep descent after the cockpit confrontation before it diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Pilot opened cockpit door despite serious injuries
According to accounts of the incident, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit, leaving him seriously injured. The aircraft subsequently went into a sharp descent over Saudi Arabia.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft was then stabilised and diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot for his actions, saying Machchhar had “fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door” and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. 
PM Modi praises Machchhar's courage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar, describing him as a “HERO” in a social media post.
“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,” Modi said.
Modi added that Machchhar's actions had helped avert a major tragedy and said that India was proud of the pilot.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Machchhar's wife and parents on Thursday and assured them that Indian missions in Saudi Arabia were extending all possible assistance to the injured pilot.
Machchhar undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia
Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said he was in a stable condition, while reports said he underwent surgery following the incident.
Machchhar had previously worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years before joining Flydubai.
Flydubai urges against speculation
Flydubai confirmed that its aircraft had experienced an in-flight incident and was safely diverted to Tabuk. The airline said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.
“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation,” Flydubai said, urging against premature speculation.
The identity and nationality of the pilots have not been officially disclosed by Flydubai. The incident remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.
The episode has meanwhile drawn international attention, with Machchhar's actions during the emergency being publicly praised by the leaders of both India and Israel.
