New Delhi: A day after Indian pilot Smit Machchhar fought off a co-pilot who attacked him and allegedly attempted to crash a flydubai aircraft headed to Tel Aviv from Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the pilot Thursday and said he had prevented a “9/11”, a reference to the 2001 terror attack in the US when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked and crashed passenger aircraft.
The government said Machchhar was gravely injured in the incident but was safe, and had been airlifted to the United Arab Emirates after receiving initial emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk where the plane landed Wednesday. His family is in Dubai.
The Indian embassy in the UAE said Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Consul General Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met Machchhar’s family members. “They briefed the family about Captain Machchhar’s health and recovery, conveyed that the Embassy and Consulate are in touch with the UAE authorities, and assured the family of continued support,” the embassy said.In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi praised Machchhar for saving the lives of passengers.
Modi also spoke to the pilot’s wife and parents, praising him for averting a major tragedy and assuring the family that the government and Indian missions would provide all necessary support.
Addressing an event to mark 100 years of the UPSC, Modi said, “Yesterday, an incident took place in which Indian Captain Smit displayed a remarkable presence of mind and courage, and as the Prime Minister of Israel said an Indian saved us from a 9/11. Smit’s bravery fills every Indian with pride.”
“Today, I also spoke to his father Bhupendra Bhai, his mother Geeta Behen, and his wife Sonal Behen. He is currently undergoing treatment. The entire world is proud of him today. I appeal to all citizens to pray for Smit’s long life and good health, and to honour Smit, who has made India proud,” he said.
In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu noted Machchhar’s “heroic courage and incredible presence of mind”.
Captain Machchhar fought off his co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, who allegedly tried to crash the plane which had several Israeli nationals on board.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, among a host of political leaders, also hailed the Indian pilot and wished him swift and full recovery.
Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India, said, “Together with Israel, India and UAE, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073. His courage & the courage of other Israeli & Emirati passengers & crew members saved the lives of 180 souls.”
The Ministry of External Affairs said that although Machchhar was gravely injured, he was safe. “We salute the bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar who, in spite of being gravely injured, showed remarkable courage that saved the lives of many. He is receiving medical attention and is safe. We wish and pray for his speedy recovery. The nation proudly stands with him and his family,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
