New Delhi, Oct 1 (PTI) AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his bravery in thwarting an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Kejriwal said Captain Machchhar displayed extraordinary bravery, risking his life to protect many others and showing the world the true depth of Indian courage.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “I am so, so proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. Even with his own life on the line, he saved countless others, showing the world what true Indian courage looks like. It is only fitting that the global community is applauding him today. I join everyone in praying for the speedy recovery of this true hero from our India.”
The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk city.
In videos circulated on social media, the pilot can be seen drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
“He is admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health is awaited, but he is reported to be in stable condition,” the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X. PTI SHB ASD
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