Tel Aviv flight 'hijack' scare: PM Modi speaks to hero pilot Smit Machchhar's family
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during a mid-air stabbing incident on a flydubai flight. The pilot, despite being seriously injured, managed to secure the cockpit and alert authorities, preventing a potential hijacking.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the critical role of pilot training and individual heroism in aviation safety during high-stakes security threats.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the wounded pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight that survived an apparent hijacking attempt, government sources said on Thursday.Also Read | ‘Religious extremist, refused handshakes with women’: What we know about Flydubai attackerAccording to the sources, PM Modi lauded Machchhar's bravery, saying his actions "saved hundreds of lives," and stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance.Earlier in the day, the prime minister said in a post on X that India is "proud of Captain Machchhar.""Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. 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.
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