'India is proud': PM Modi praises flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as ‘hero’ after Tabuk emergency landing

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a "hero" following the emergency landing of his aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Modi commended the pilot's "immense courage" and "unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others" during the incident, which he described as having saved hundreds of lives and averted a tragedy.

Modi expressed pride in Machchhar, praying for his speedy recovery and best wishes for his health. UAE authorities reported that flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Israel, experienced a security incident necessitating an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport. Several crew members were injured and transported to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for treatment.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, while investigating the incident, cautioned against circulating pre-investigation information. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated that Machchhar was stable in a Tabuk hospital and that its staff were in contact with the pilot's family for continued support.