PM Modi Hails Captain Smit Machchhar, Who Foiled Flydubai Hijack Bid

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during an alleged hijack attempt on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flydubai flight. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar resisted the co-pilot, helped open the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.

The aircraft was diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, while Machchhar continues to receive medical treatment. Modi spoke to his family and prayed for his speedy recovery, saying his bravery helped avert a major tragedy.