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Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with injured Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, praising his courage during a cockpit attack and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Mariyam Adheela
PM Modi speaks to ‘hero’ pilot Smit Machchhar, wishes him speedy recovery Photograph: (Screenshot/Video/X-DDNewslive)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday as the pilot recovers from serious injuries sustained during a mid-air cockpit attack.
Machchhar spoke to Modi from a hospital in Abu Dhabi. He briefed the prime minister about the incident and the actions he took during the emergency.
The captain was injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him during Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew then entered the cockpit and helped stop the attacker.
The Boeing 737 was carrying more than 170 people when the incident occurred. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to the UAE. India’s ambassador to the UAE later visited him and said he was recovering well.
Modi praised Machchhar’s courage and wished him a speedy recovery. The prime minister had earlier spoken with the pilot’s family and assured them of India’s support.
The incident remains under investigation by authorities. The co-pilot has been handed over to UAE authorities as investigators examine the attack and its possible motive.
