Mudasir Maqbool
New Delhi : Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread praise from political leaders and public figures in India and abroad after his reported actions helped avert a potentially catastrophic incident involving a Flydubai flight operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar, who was reportedly injured while confronting a colleague during the incident, has been credited with showing exceptional courage and presence of mind at a critical moment. His actions are being widely praised for helping prevent a major disaster and protect the lives of passengers onboard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were among those who praised the Indian pilot.
Indian Prime Minister posted on X Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of Captain Machchhar.
Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X
My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.
Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.
I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
He is a true hero.
https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/2105366400835461306
President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also lauded his courage.
Patel described Machchhar as a brave son of Gujarati origin and said his actions had made the country proud on the global stage.
The pilot who had earlier worked with SpiceJet has since emerged as a prominent figure following the incident.
The incident has drawn international attention, with Machchhar being praised for his courage despite sustaining injuries while intervening during the reported attempt to disrupt the flight.
His actions have also prompted messages wishing him a speedy recovery with the focus remaining on his reported bravery and the prevention of a potentially grave aviation disaster.
newspop
