Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar, praising the Indian pilot for his bravery during the flydubai incident in which he helped thwart an alleged attack by the co-pilot, potentially saving the lives of those on board the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
During the conversation, Machchhar shared details of his experience with the Prime Minister and spoke about what gave him the courage to respond during the incident. PM Modi lauded his courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said Machchhar is in stable condition and recovering well at a hospital in the UAE. Mittal, who met the injured pilot and his family, said Machchhar remained in high spirits and was “smiling and also laughing.”
Speaking to Prasar Bharati after visiting the hospital, the Ambassador said that Captain Machchhar was receiving proper medical treatment and that the Indian Embassy remained in constant coordination with the concerned officials.
“I just met him along with his family here, in the hospital, in UAE, and he’s doing well. I was very relieved to see, and very reassured, that he’s doing well, he’s quite stable. He was talking, he was chatting, a bit of discomfort, but I think he’s under good medical care here in UAE,” Dr. Mittal told Prasar Bharati.
Describing Captain Machchhar as a “brave son of India,” the envoy praised his courageous actions during the mid-air emergency, saying they helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major disaster.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind during the cockpit attack, saying the pilot’s bravery had made the country proud and helped prevent a major tragedy.
PM Modi also recalled the incident and praised Machchhar for showing exceptional courage despite sustaining serious injuries.
“The incident that occurred, 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 valour fills us with immense pride,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said he had spoken to Machchhar’s family and enquired about his health.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, new video released by Israel’s Channel 12 showed the chaos aboard flydubai flight after pilot Capt Smit Machchhar and other passengers overcame an attempt by the co-pilot to crash the plane flying to Tel Aviv from Dubai.
