Smit Machchhar Displayed Great Physical, Mental Resolve: IAF Chief

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Saturday praised Captain Smit Machchhar for displaying exceptional bravery and mental resolve in saving a flydubai flight after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot in the cockpit.

Machchhar, the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot on Wednesday in an alleged attempt to bring down the aircraft.

Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to prevent the situation from turning into a major disaster and helped save the aircraft carrying 174 people.

“Every Indian is proud of him. What he did was exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve,” Air Chief Marshal Singh said while responding to a question at a press conference.

The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, in northwest Saudi Arabia, following the incident. All 174 people onboard, including passengers and crew members, were brought to safety.

Machchhar has since received widespread praise for his actions during the emergency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as a “true hero” following the incident.

In an interview with CNN on Wednesday evening, Netanyahu said the injured pilot, passengers and other crew members had managed to prevent what he described as a “9/11 disaster.”

The incident occurred while the flight was travelling towards Tel Aviv, prompting an emergency response and the diversion to Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates for the injuries sustained during the alleged attack.

The incident has drawn attention to the captain’s actions in maintaining control of the aircraft despite being seriously injured and ensuring the safety of those onboard.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged cockpit attack and the actions of the co-pilot are being investigated by the relevant authorities.