Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not acknowledging the bravery of Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who allegedly thwarted a co-pilot's attempt to seize control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and composure during a cockpit attack, saying his actions saved lives. Machchhar described Modi as his biggest idol, recalled opening the cockpit door, and spoke about faith and recovery
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for calling him during his recovery in the UAE. Machchhar described Modi as his biggest idol and recalled reciting the Hanuman Chalisa after being stabbed while helping passengers during the cockpit attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, praising his courage after he reportedly fought off a cockpit attack and helped save 170 lives aboard a flydubai flight. The pilot remains stable and is recovering in a UAE hospital
A Dubai-Tel Aviv commercial flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an emergency signal briefly raised fears of a hijacking, prompting Israel to scramble warplanes. Israeli media reported the alert followed a dispute between the pilots, with all passengers and crew safe
