‘Our hero’: India rallies behind flydubai Captain Smit after cockpit attack

India has rallied behind Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian flydubai pilot who was injured during a cockpit altercation on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident occurred on September 30 when Machchhar's co-pilot allegedly attacked him during a flight carrying more than 170 passengers. Despite suffering multiple injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and prevent the situation from escalating further, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737, had to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Passengers were accounted for, while Machchhar and the co-pilot received medical treatment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar by video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, praising his courage and wishing him a speedy recovery.

The pilot was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued treatment. The incident is under investigation by authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, who are examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack and the co-pilot's actions.