Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machhar as a hero after a knife attack in the cockpit of a passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft changed course and landed in Saudi Arabia about 2 hours after takeoff.
Machhar was seriously injured in the incident and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said his condition was stable and that he was receiving the necessary care.
Modi praises captain's courage
In a message on X, Modi said Machhar showed exceptional courage while facing a serious threat and suffering severe injuries. The prime minister said the captain's actions helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major incident.
Modi also expressed pride in the Indian pilot and wished him a speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
The embassy said it was monitoring Machhar's condition and remained in contact with his family. It also said it would continue coordinating with Saudi authorities and provide every possible assistance for his treatment.
What happened on the flight
The incident took place on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the report, one pilot attacked another with a knife inside the cockpit. Machhar was the Indian pilot who was attacked.
The reason behind the alleged attack has not been established. After the incident, the aircraft turned towards Saudi Arabia and landed there.
US President Donald Trump had earlier described Machhar as a hero. Trump said he had spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the Flydubai incident.
Trump said Netanyahu had told him what happened and that passengers on the aircraft tried to help save the flight and bring it under control. Trump also suggested that the co-pilot involved in the attack may have been a terrorist or may not have been mentally well, but the reported motive for the attack remains unknown.
Medical update
The Indian Embassy said Machhar remains in hospital in Tabuk and that his condition is stable. It said complete information about his health was still awaited, while expressing hope that he would recover from his injuries soon.
Conclusion
Machhar's handling of the emergency has drawn praise from Modi and Trump. He remains under treatment in Tabuk, with the Indian Embassy tracking his recovery and coordinating with his family and Saudi authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is Smit Machhar?
Smit Machhar is an Indian Flydubai captain who was attacked with a knife in the cockpit of a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Q. What happened to the Flydubai flight?
The flight changed course towards Saudi Arabia and landed there about 2 hours after takeoff following the cockpit incident.
Q. Where is Smit Machhar being treated?
He is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Q. What is Machhar's current condition?
The Indian Embassy said his condition is stable, although complete information about his health was still awaited.
Q. What did Narendra Modi say about Machhar?
Modi called Machhar a hero and said his courage helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major incident.
Q. Did Donald Trump also praise Machhar?
Yes. Trump also described the Indian pilot as a hero.
Q. Why did the alleged attack happen?
The motive behind the alleged attack has not been established.
