President Droupadi Murmu praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the Flydubai flight incident and said that the nation is proud of him. In a social media post, she said his bravery and remarkable presence of mind in a moment of grave danger had touched everyone.
The President said that despite suffering serious injuries, Captain Machchhar remained focused on protecting the lives of others. She noted that his courage and quick response helped prevent a major tragedy and save many lives. She also wished him a speedy recovery and good health while saluting his indomitable spirit.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also praised Captain Machchhar for displaying exceptional courage and presence of mind in the face of serious danger. He said that despite being badly injured, the captain took decisive action during the flight, helping prevent a catastrophic incident and protect those on board. The Vice President wished him a complete and speedy recovery and said the nation is proud of his bravery.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also praised Captain Machchhar for his extraordinary courage and presence of mind during the incident. He said that the Indian pilot helped save hundreds of lives and prevented a major tragedy despite facing grave danger.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said Captain Machchhar demonstrated the qualities of a true hero by placing the safety of others before his own. He praised the pilot for continuing to act despite severe injuries and said his bravery helped prevent a major catastrophe. He also wished him a quick and complete recovery.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal praised Captain Machchhar’s courage and said that his actions, despite serious injuries, helped save many lives. He said Captain Machchhar is receiving medical treatment and is safe. He added that the nation stands with the captain and his family and wished him a speedy recovery.
Saudi authorities have arrested an Omani co pilot after he allegedly attacked the captain of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel and attempted to cause the aircraft to crash. The incident reportedly caused the aircraft to descend by around 17,400 feet in less than two minutes.
Passengers and members of the crew, including off duty personnel, entered the cockpit, restrained the attacker and assisted in bringing the aircraft under control. The flight was diverted and subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as a serious security event and a suspected terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, as a true hero who helped save the lives of 174 people on the flight. He said the captain showed exceptional courage by confronting the situation and preventing a possible disaster in the air.
US President Donald Trump also praised Captain Machchhar as a hero, saying that he responded to the knife attack, opened the cockpit door and called for assistance, helping prevent an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft.
India’s Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah said they are closely monitoring Captain Machchhar’s health. The Indian Embassy said he is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.
According to initial information, his condition is stable. The Indian mission said it remains in contact with his family and is providing all possible assistance in coordination with the Saudi authorities.