Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has drawn international praise for his courage during a violent cockpit incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Despite reportedly suffering serious injuries during an attack by his co-pilot, Captain Machchhar continued to resist and managed to unlock the cockpit, allowing others aboard the aircraft to intervene. The flight, carrying 174 people, was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian captain’s bravery, saying his actions helped prevent what could have become a “9/11-type” catastrophe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended Captain Machchhar, highlighting his courage, presence of mind and determination to protect the lives of those aboard.
The incident has put the spotlight on the extraordinary responsibility carried by commercial aviation crews and the importance of human judgment and courage in responding to an extreme, unforeseen crisis.
