Showed immense courage: PM praises hero Indian pilot for averting flydubai tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped save the lives of 174 people onboard a Flydubai flight, calling him a “hero” and praising his courage in the face of grave danger.

“Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“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,” the PM said.“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,” the PM said.“India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” he added.

Captain Machchhar, an Indian national, has also been praised as a hero by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he fought off a knife attack from the co-pilot and managed to open the cockpit door and call for help, foiling an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. - Ends