Modi hails 'hero' Indian pilot after flydubai cockpit attack

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero on Thursday following an attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, in which Machchhar was wounded by his co-pilot. In a statement on social media, Modi praised Machchhar's immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others in the face of grave danger. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar's valiant actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a catastrophic mid-air disaster, Modi added.

The Indian Prime Minister expressed pride in Machchhar and prayed for his speedy recovery, hoping for his renewed strength and good health. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commended Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery, highlighting that the co-pilot had been attempting to crash the aircraft and kill all passengers. Flydubai confirmed that all passengers, 166 out of 174 of whom were Israeli, were safe, but the reasons for the altercation were unknown.