NEW DELHI, Oct 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke over the phone with Captain Smit Machchaar, the Indian pilot who helped prevent a potentially serious incident aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight after allegedly being attacked by his co-pilot.
During the conversation, Machchaar shared details of the incident and spoke about what gave him the courage to respond in the face of danger, government sources said.
Prime Minister Modi praised the pilot's courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
The Prime Minister had earlier described Machchaar as a “hero”, saying that despite being seriously injured, he displayed immense courage and determination to protect the lives of passengers.
Modi also spoke with Machchaar's wife and parents, acknowledging the pilot's actions during the incident.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, when it transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday. The aircraft reportedly descended sharply from around 34,000 feet before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
According to accounts cited by Israeli authorities, the aircraft encountered a struggle in the cockpit after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchaar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls.
Passengers and crew members reportedly entered the cockpit and helped overpower the alleged attacker, allowing the aircraft to be diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The incident is under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances and motive behind the alleged attack.
