Who is the Indian FlyDubai pilot hailed as a hero
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was hailed by Netanyahu, Trump, and Modi as a hero for helping to avert a tragedy on a FlyDubai flight
TL;DR
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar is hailed as a hero for preventing a potential disaster on FlyDubai flight FZ1073.
- Machchhar was attacked mid-flight by the co-pilot, identified as an Omani citizen.
- He managed to send an emergency signal and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker.
- Leaders including Indian PM Narendra Modi, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and US President Donald Trump praised Machchhar's bravery.
- Five Israelis who helped restrain the attacker are being recommended for the Presidential Medal of Civic Heroism by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
- Machchhar, who has over 9,700 flight hours, previously worked for SpiceJet and trained at Mainland Air in New Zealand.
- He is reported to be in stable condition after the incident and is hospitalized in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.