Who is the 'hero' Indian pilot who was stabbed on Israel-bound flight?
Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot who prevented a mid-air disaster on a Flydubai flight, is being celebrated for his bravery. The article details his background, career path from Mumbai to international aviation, and his commitment to professional excellence.
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Provides human-interest context to a major international news story, highlighting the personal background of an individual involved in a high-stakes event.
Image source, Embassy of India in Israel Image caption, The Indian government has praised Smit Machchhar for his "immense courage"
The pilot who was stabbed on an Israel-bound flight on Wednesday has been identified as Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar.
Capt Machchhar was attacked by another pilot onboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, forcing the plane to divert to Saudi Arabia.
The captain, who has been hailed as a "true hero" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was taken to a hospital in Tubak City, north-western Saudi Arabia, where he remains in a stable condition according to the Indian embassy in Riyadh.
Writing on X, Netanyahu said Capt Machchhar "saved the lives of 174 people" and prevented "a catastrophic mid-air disaster".
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