‘Prevented another 9/11’: PM Modi heaps praise on flydubai pilot Captain Machchhar | India News
NEW DELHI: NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he had spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight that survived an apparent hijacking attempt a day ago.Also Read | ‘Religious extremist, refused handshakes with women’: What we know about Flydubai attackerPM Modi also praised the wounded pilot, saying he had “prevented another 9/11” — a reference to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, when Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked passenger planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, killing thousands.“The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen of our country, Smit’s valor fills us with immense pride,” he said at the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the capital.“Today, I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him,” the prime minister added.PM Modi also appealed to citizens to pray for the pilot’s recovery.Earlier in the day, the prime minister wrote in a post on X that India is “proud of Captain Machchhar.”“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” he wrote.
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Captain Machchhar, the pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel’s Tel Aviv, was stabbed by his co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, in the cockpit on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.(With ANI inputs)
