Stories
Indian Pilot Hailed as Hero for Preventing 9/11-Style Tragedy on FlyDubai Flight
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar for preventing a "9/11-style tragedy" after a co-pilot stabbed him in an attempt to crash a FlyDubai flight.
- •Captain Machchhar, from Mumbai, was seriously injured but saved 174 lives by allowing passengers to overpower the attacker during a sharp descent.
- •The incident forced the Boeing 737 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •President Droupadi Murmu and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Captain Machchhar's extraordinary bravery and presence of mind.
- •Captain Machchhar, with over 9,750 flying hours, is recovering in stable condition, with Indian Embassy officials in contact with his family.
Key Questions Answered
Despite being stabbed and seriously injured by a co-pilot during a sharp descent, Captain Smit Machchhar demonstrated remarkable patience, courage, and presence of mind. He fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker, ultimately saving the lives of 174 people on board.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Captain Machchhar as a hero who prevented a 9/11-style tragedy through his unwavering resolve and courage. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed that the nation is proud of him, saluting his indomitable spirit and quick response in a moment of grave peril.
The Flydubai flight carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, after a co-pilot stabbed the pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the plane. Passengers rushed into the cockpit during the sharp descent to restrain the attacker.
