Indian captain praised as hero after preventing mid-air disaster on Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight

A pilot from India, Captain Smit Machchhar, has become an overnight hero after performing a brave act during a potential mid-air hijack on a flydubai flight. The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where Machchhar's co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife and attempted to crash the aircraft. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophe.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, praised Machchhar's heroism on social media, describing him as an "absolute hero" who saved 174 lives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commended the pilot's "extraordinary bravery." Social media users in India hailed Machchhar as a hero, with some even suggesting he could star in a Bollywood film as the leading man.

The incident occurred during a routine flight, and it is unclear what motivated the attacker. The airline, flydubai, has suspended flights between its hub in the UAE and Israel while the investigation continues.