Tel Aviv flight 'hijack' scare: PM Modi speaks to hero pilot Smit Machchhar's family

Captain Smit Machchhar (file photo)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the wounded pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight that survived an apparent hijacking attempt, government sources said on Thursday.Also Read | ‘Religious extremist, refused handshakes with women’: What we know about Flydubai attackerAccording to the sources, PM Modi lauded Machchhar's bravery, saying his actions "saved hundreds of lives," and stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance.Earlier in the day, the prime minister said in a post on X that India is "proud of Captain Machchhar.""Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. 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.

His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," he wrote.

PM Modi X post

Machchhar was piloting the Israel-bound flydubai passenger jet on Wednesday when he was stabbed by his co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national. Despite suffering serious injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter the cockpit and restrain the co-pilot.

He also alerted Israeli authorities to the suspected hijacking attempt.An Israeli passenger took control of the plummeting aircraft before two off-duty pilots who were on the flight took over. The plane later made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.According to the Indian Embassy in Saudi capital Riyadh, Machchhar is currently in stable condition.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have also praised the Indian pilot for his actions.