PM Modi hails Captain Smit, the flydubai hero, for averting a '9/11-style tragedy'

Mumbai Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed immense pride in Captain Smit Machchhar, the injured Indian pilot who averted a potential attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Referring to Machchhar as a "true hero," Fadnavis hailed the pilot's extraordinary courage and presence of mind during the mid-air emergency.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar displayed remarkable courage and skill, enabling him to save hundreds of lives. He praised the passengers and other crew members on board for their heroism in dealing with the crisis. Fadnavis wished the captain a swift recovery and emphasized that Maharashtra and the entire nation are immensely proud of his actions.

Reports indicate that Machchhar was allegedly attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot, who was attempting to crash the plane. Despite the severity of his injuries and blood loss, Machchhar responded to the emergency and indeed played a crucial role in protecting the passengers. An Israeli doctor on board reportedly stepped in to help restrain the alleged attacker after Machchhar was repeatedly stabbed. The captain was reportedly struggling to remain conscious due to his injuries during the incident.