NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday lauded Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary courage” and “remarkable presence of mind” after the pilot was seriously injured during a cockpit attack aboard a flydubai flight, saying his actions saved hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy.
In a post on X, Jaishkar prayed for the captain’s speedy recovery, stating, “Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind, even in the face of grave danger, saved hundreds of lives yesterday and averted a major tragedy. Join the countless voices from across the world in saluting his valour and praying for his speedy recovery.”
Captain Machchhar was piloting flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot, who was attempting to crash the Israel-bound aircraft. The aircraft experienced a sudden descent during the incident before the situation was brought under control.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the alleged attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
