Lucknow, Oct 1 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday hailed the courage and sense of duty of flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who despite being seriously injured during an in-flight crisis helped avert a potential mid-air disaster.
“The courage and sense of duty shown by Captain Smit Machchhar in the face of grave danger is deeply commendable,” Adityanath said.
“Despite being seriously injured during the in-flight crisis, Captain Machchhar remained resolute and played a crucial role in helping protect the lives of those on board,” the CM posted on X.
“His courage, presence of mind and commitment to duty will always be remembered. Praying to Prabhu Shri Ram for his speedy recovery, strength and good health. Jai Hind!” Adityanath said.
The Indian pilot helped avert a potential mid-air disaster after being stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight carrying 174 people. Despite his injuries, Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited him with saving all 174 lives and called him a “true hero”.
A Mumbai native, Machchhar has over 13 years of commercial flying experience and more than 9,500 flight hours. He previously spent over 11 years with SpiceJet, including as a Line Training Captain, before joining flydubai in June 2022. PTI KIS DV
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