1 hr ago
PM Modi Praises Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar’s Courage
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him.
The captain was badly hurt and fell inside the cockpit.
He said he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa to find courage.
Even though he was injured, he crawled to open the cockpit door.
This allowed passengers to enter and help stop the attacker.
The plane then landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar and praised his bravery.
Machchhar is now recovering in a hospital in the UAE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with injured Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar by video call on Friday.
Machchhar said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the cockpit attack and called Modi his biggest idol.
The captain said he crawled to open the cockpit door despite serious injuries, allowing passengers to confront the attacking co-pilot.
The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to crash the aircraft.
Reports variously say Machchhar helped save 170, 180 or 182 people; he is recovering in stable condition in the UAE.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, an injured Indian pilot.
- What
- Modi spoke with Machchhar and praised him for opening the cockpit door and helping prevent a major disaster after an alleged co-pilot attack.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; Machchhar is recovering in the UAE.
- When
- The conversation took place on Friday; the cockpit attack occurred on the preceding Wednesday, according to the reports.
- Why
- Modi called to ask about Machchhar’s health, praise his actions, and assure him and his family of assistance.
Key facts
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Pilot’s condition
- Reportedly stable and recovering in a UAE hospital
- Reported passengers and crew
- Articles cite totals of 170, 180, and 182 people
- Pilot’s account
- Machchhar said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the attack
- Government support
- Modi said Indian missions would provide assistance to Machchhar and his family
- Earlier family contact
- Modi spoke with Machchhar’s family on Thursday
Quotes
Bhupendra Patel
Chief Minister of Gujarat
“I am not thinking about pain, because it will make my recovery even more difficult. I am thinking of it as a journey, which will happen slowly and slowly. And it will take time, but I am very, very confident that this recovery will happen and I will get completely well. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Saudi government and the UAE government.”
republicworld.com
“The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today. Despite being drenched in blood due to the attack, he displayed indomitable bravery to save the lives of 174 passengers — a feat that is profoundly inspiring and commendable.”
theprint.in
Antonio Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General
“The Secretary-General is grateful to all the authorities concerned for ensuring the safety of all passengers and for conducting their investigation”
thehansindia.com
Sources
'Was Chanting Hanuman Chalisa': Captain Machchhar Describes Cockpit Attack to PM Modi, Calls Him His 'Biggest Idol'
Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai attack in call with PM Modi – ‘I was fighting for my life’
'Recited Hanuman Chalisa For Courage," flydubai Hero Pilot Tells PM Modi
‘Couldn’t let others die’: FlyDubai ‘hero’ Capt Smit tells PM Modi in video interaction
‘I kept reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai ordeal in call with PM Modi
‘You are my biggest idol’: Emotional flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar tells PM Modi
PM Modi speaks to Capt Smit Machchhar, applauds his bravery
PM Modi Speaks To Indian Hero Smit Machchhar; Flydubai Pilot Says 'He Chanted Hanuman Chalisa In Cockpit' After Attack By Co-Pilot
PM Modi's Big "Salute" To Smit Machchhar's Parents, Praise For His Wife
Related news
PM Modi Praises Injured Flydubai Pilot After Attack Foiled
Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
PM Modi Praises Pilot Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Emergency
Modi Praises Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Indian Pilot Praised After Flydubai Mid-Air Attack Averted
Fadnavis hails injured Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage after flight attack
Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi How He Saved Lives
India’s Noon Headlines Span Asian Games, Protests, Trade And Tragedies
Gandhi’s Spiritual Refuge: Shrimad Rajchandraji’s Legacy Reaches New Generations
