Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Captain Smit Machhar, the pilot who stayed resolute after being attacked during an attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight, praising his presence of mind and unflinching courage and wishing him a speedy recovery.
PM Praises Captain’s Courage in Emotional Conversation
During the conversation, Captain Smit reportedly described where he found the strength to act during the attack. He grew emotional, saying it was a very special moment for him, and told the Prime Minister that Modi is his biggest role model. Earlier, the Prime Minister had also spoken by phone to Captain Smit’s parents and wife to console them.
Co-Pilot Attacked Captain Mid-Flight
On Wednesday, during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit with a knife in the cockpit. Despite being seriously injured, he opened the cockpit door, enabling the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker. All 174 people on board, passengers and crew, were saved.
Flight Landed Safely at Tabuk, Captain Recovering
Following the attack, the aircraft was safely landed at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Captain Smit Machhar was admitted to hospital, where his condition is reported to be steadily improving.
