New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in preventing an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to sabotage a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Modi described Machchhar as a “hero” and said his courage, despite being seriously injured, helped protect the lives of hundreds of passengers and avert a major tragedy. He also wished the pilot a speedy recovery.

The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar after attempting to interfere with the aircraft while it was cruising at around 34,000 feet. The Boeing 737 reportedly went into a steep descent before Machchhar managed to resist the attacker and open the cockpit door.

Passengers and crew members then overpowered the co-pilot, while two relief pilots seated at the back took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also praised Machchhar’s “extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind”. Machchhar, who has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience, previously worked with SpiceJet for 10 years before joining flydubai.

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