Stories
Netizens Demand Ashok Chakra for Captain Smit Machchhar's Heroism in Averting Flydubai Disaster
- •Captain Smit Machchhar is widely praised on social media for averting a potential disaster on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- •Machchhar was stabbed by the co-pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft but managed to regain control despite serious injuries.
- •Passengers helped subdue the attacker, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Netizens, including prominent figures, are calling for Machchhar to be awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award.
- •The incident is under investigation by UAE authorities, examining motives including potential links to terrorist activity or prior planning.
Key Questions Answered
During the flight on Wednesday, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Despite his serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to regain access to the cockpit while passengers subdued the attacker, and the aircraft safely made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netizens, prominent figures, and social media users have called for Captain Machchhar to receive India's highest peacetime gallantry award because he showed unwavering valour and saved the lives of 200 passengers after being attacked in the cockpit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar for demonstrating remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage. Additionally, the Israeli envoy announced that Israel will honour the pilot, and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi met with his family to convey government support.
