Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped protect more than 170 people during a serious mid-air emergency, has received praise from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his actions during the incident.
The RSS praised Captain Smit for what it described as exceptional courage and timely action in the cockpit. Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the organisation, said the pilot’s actions helped protect more than 170 lives and wished him a full recovery.
Captain Smit was flying flydubai flight FZ1073 when the aircraft faced a major in-flight crisis. According to the account cited by authorities, the pilot was attacked by his co-pilot but continued to act to safeguard passengers and crew. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where Captain Smit is receiving medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the pilot, saying his patience, presence of mind and courage during the incident had brought pride to India. Modi said he had spoken with Captain Smit’s family and urged people across the country to pray for his recovery.
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission in New Delhi, Modi referred to comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, according to Modi, said that an Indian had helped avert what he described as a 9/11-style tragedy.
The Prime Minister said Captain Smit’s actions had demonstrated exceptional courage under extremely difficult circumstances and highlighted the international attention surrounding the incident.
Captain Smit remains under treatment at a hospital in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been in contact with his family and is coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance.
The incident has drawn attention to the role of cockpit decision-making and emergency response in protecting passengers during an unfolding aviation crisis. As Captain Smit continues his recovery, Indian authorities and his family are awaiting further updates on his condition.
