India’s Ambassador to Israel JP Singh has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the Flydubai flight incident that nearly turned into a major air disaster. Machchhar, an Indian pilot, was seriously injured after his co-pilot attacked him during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. Despite his injuries, he helped open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and stop the attack. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Key highlightsCaptain Smit Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit during Flydubai Flight FZ1073.The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers when the emergency unfolded.Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, helped make the cockpit accessible to others.Indian and Israeli leaders have praised his actions and bravery. JP Singh praises Captain MachchharSpeaking in Israel, Indian Ambassador JP Singh praised Captain Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.The envoy said the Indian pilot’s courage had made both India and Israel proud. His comments came as people in Israel continued to recognise Machchhar’s role in helping prevent a possible tragedy.The incident has also received attention from senior leaders in India and Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly praised the pilot for his actions during the flight.“His courage and bravery” helped avert a major tragedy and save hundreds of lives, JP Singh said while praising Captain Machchhar.What happened on the Flydubai flight?The incident took place on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.According to reports, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit. The captain suffered serious injuries but continued to act during the emergency.Reports said Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the attacker.The aircraft then diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The passengers were later transported safely to Israel. Passengers and crew helped during the emergencyCaptain Machchhar was not the only person involved in preventing the disaster.Passengers and other people on board helped after the cockpit door was opened. Reports said some passengers entered the cockpit and helped overpower the co-pilot.Two off-duty pilots were also among those who assisted during the emergency. Their actions helped the aircraft reach a safe landing after the cockpit struggle. The incident was particularly serious because the aircraft was carrying a large number of passengers, many of them Israeli citizens.Captain Machchhar’s conditionCaptain Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the attack and was taken for medical treatment after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.He was later moved to the United Arab Emirates for further treatment. Indian officials said he was in stable condition and recovering well.India’s Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal also visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital. According to the Indian diplomatic mission, the pilot was in good health, had high morale and was recovering from his injuries. Pilot receives praise from India and IsraelThe actions of Captain Machchhar have received widespread recognition.Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his courage and said his actions helped save hundreds of lives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also described Machchhar as a hero after the incident.Israeli officials and passengers have also highlighted the role played by other people on the flight who helped control the situation and bring the aircraft to safety.The exact motive behind the co-pilot’s actions remains under investigation. Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries are examining the incident and the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack. For now, Captain Machchhar’s recovery remains a key focus, while the investigation continues into how the incident happened and why the co-pilot attacked him.
