Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar. SUPPLIED
An Indian flydubai pilot injured during an onboard incident has been hailed a hero for his courage after the flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia with all passengers and crew safe.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured during an incident on flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (September 30). The aircraft diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where injured crew members received medical treatment.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement posted on social media on Thursday (October 1).
“In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” Modi added. “His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.”
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal also praised the captain, saying India was “proud of its brave son” for demonstrating “great bravery and courage in an exemplary manner”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately commended Machchhar for his bravery. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said Machchhar was in a stable condition after receiving medical treatment in Tabuk.
Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, including service as a line training captain, and approximately 9,750 flying hours, according to records.
Flydubai said an “altercation occurred in the flight deck” during the flight. Crew members travelling on board intervened, secured the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
October 3 update: UAE confirms flydubai co-pilot ‘attempted terrorist attack’
The flight carried more than 170 people. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. The reasons and circumstances behind the incident were not immediately established. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said some crew members were injured and taken to hospital.
The UAE Attorney-General has since ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or involved prior planning. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue. ICA/Expat Media
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