Injured pilot Smit Machchhar praised for helping avert a mid-air catastrophe
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday led a chorus of praise for Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, hailing his courage after he was seriously injured while thwarting his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai aircraft.
Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by the Omani co-pilot during Wednesday’s Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Calling Machchhar a “hero”, Modi said that despite being seriously injured, he had shown “immense courage and an unwavering resolve” to protect others and helped avert a major tragedy.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission, Modi said Machchhar had displayed patience, presence of mind and bravery and had helped prevent what he described as another “9/11-like attack”. The Prime Minister also spoke to Machchhar’s parents and wife and wished him a speedy recovery.
Trump also described Machchhar as a “hero”, praising his presence of mind in opening the cockpit door despite being badly injured. The US President said the action enabled others on board to intervene.
President Murmu said the nation was proud of Machchhar’s “heroic courage” and presence of mind. She said that despite being seriously injured, he remained determined to protect the lives of others and helped prevent a major tragedy.
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan also praised the pilot, saying his determination and decisive action in mid-air had helped avert a catastrophe and protect those on board.
Netanyahu called Machchhar a “true hero”, saying that despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, wishing the pilot a speedy recovery.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India took immense pride in Machchhar’s courage and sense of duty. He said the pilot had put his own life at risk to protect those on board and that his composure would remain an inspiration.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind in the face of grave danger had saved lives and averted a major tragedy.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saluted Machchhar, the crew and others who displayed courage and presence of mind during the attack.
BJP president Nitin Nabin said Machchhar had shown what “true courage” meant by placing the safety of others above his own despite being seriously wounded.
The RSS also hailed the pilot, saying his actions went beyond the call of duty and helped protect more than 170 people.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the Mumbai-born pilot as a “true hero”, saying his presence of mind and courage despite his injuries were exemplary.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Machchhar’s courage, presence of mind and commitment to duty would be remembered and wished him a speedy recovery.
