‘An Indian prevented 9/11 like tragedy’: PM Modi lauds Captain Smit Machchhar who saved lives on flydubai flight

October 1, 2026 1:12 PM

‘An Indian prevented 9/11 like tragedy’: PM Modi lauds Captain Smit Machchhar who saved lives on flydubai flight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar's bravery for foiling his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight to Israel and said that his courageous act fills every Indian's heart with pride. Addressing an event in New Delhi, he said Captain Machchhar has showed great patience, acumen and bravery. "And like Israeli PM (Benjamin Netanyahu) today said that this Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit's bravery fills our heart wi...

PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar as hero after Flydubai flight crisis

October 1, 2026 10:43 AM

PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar as hero after Flydubai flight crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, for his courage in helping avert a major in-flight crisis after he was seriously injured during an alleged cockpit attack. Calling Machchhar a “HERO”, PM Modi said the pilot displayed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured. “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being...