NEW DELHI, Oct 1 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the captain of a Flydubai flight as a “hero” after he was stabbed and seriously wounded while trying to stop his co-pilot from allegedly crashing the plane, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
The Flydubai flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when violence erupted in the cockpit.
Indian captain Smit Machchhar suffered serious stab wounds but managed to resist his alleged attacker and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Two other Flydubai pilots who happened to be on board then took control of the aircraft and made an emergency landing in the Saudi city of Tabuk.
According to Israeli media reports, a dentist on board provided first aid and managed to stop Machchhar’s severe bleeding following the attack.
Machchhar was taken to hospital in Tabuk, where he was receiving medical treatment and was in a stable condition, the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia said.
The Hindustan Times reported that Machchhar was being treated in intensive care and that Modi had spoken by telephone with his family.
Modi said Machchhar’s valour had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a tragedy.
“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,” Modi wrote on X.
“India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health..” — Bernama-dpa
