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Indian PM hails 'hero' Flydubai pilot for averting disaster

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot in a jetliner taking 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing the plane to make an emergency after passengers reportedly subdued the attacker. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled him a 'hero' on social media. 'India is proud of Captain Machchhar.'

Indian PM hails 'hero' Flydubai pilot for averting disaster

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was hailed as a hero by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was attacked by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the plane, which was carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israeli citizens.

Machchhar was seriously injured during the attack but showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. According to New Straits Times, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery in preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

The flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers were reported safe. Modi praised Machchhar's valour, saying it helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. He prayed for the pilot's speedy recovery, renewed strength, and good health.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Hindustan Times, New Straits Times, Business Standard IN, Free Press Journal — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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