PM Modi speaks to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar's wife and parents after he leads brave landing of flydubai flight: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was injured in a cockpit attack by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, government sources said.PM Modi applauded the bravery of Smit Machchhar, whose actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.Machchhar is currently in the ICU at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries. Modi spoke to his family as the pilot remains in intensive care, the sources said.During the interaction, Modi applauded the bravery of Machchhar, whose actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy. The Prime Minister also stressed that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance to the family and ensuring the necessary support, the sources said.Machchhar, the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073, was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently landed safely.Machchhar is an experienced pilot with more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours, predominantly on Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining flydubai, he spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain.Modi had earlier hailed Machchhar as a "HERO", saying his courage and resolve in the face of grave danger helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy."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," Modi said in a post on X."India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health," he added.The Indian missions in the region are coordinating with the authorities and providing all possible assistance to Machchhar's family.Officials have not yet released the name of the Omani pilot who allegedly attacked Machchhar. His identity has not been officially disclosed as the investigation into the incident is still underway.The incident began when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to enter a steep descent. Passengers and crew members intervened and overpowered the attacker after Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door.The incident is under investigation, while flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel following the attack.