Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a dramatic mid-air emergency involving a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Modi described Machchhar as a hero and said his actions helped prevent another “9/11-like” attack.

The incident took place aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people, including 27 children, according to reports. The aircraft was flying towards Tel Aviv when a violent confrontation broke out inside the cockpit. Machchhar, the captain of the flight, was reportedly seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot.

Despite suffering significant injuries, Machchhar remained focused on the safety of the aircraft and those on board. Reports say he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter the flight deck. They subsequently helped restrain the alleged attacker.

The aircraft had entered a sharp descent during the confrontation. Reports indicate that it lost thousands of feet in a short period, creating a highly dangerous situation for everyone aboard.

The passengers and crew eventually regained control of the situation. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar received emergency medical treatment following the landing and was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. The Indian government said it was closely monitoring his condition.

Prime Minister Modi publicly praised the captain during his address at the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said Machchhar showed extraordinary courage and acted without fearing for his own life. Modi also said that Indians across the country were praying for his recovery.

The Prime Minister had also spoken to Machchhar’s wife and parents. The Indian diplomatic mission in the UAE maintained contact with the family and provided updates regarding his treatment.

Machchhar’s actions have received international attention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised him, while other officials and public figures expressed appreciation for the captain and the passengers who intervened during the emergency.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of cockpit security and emergency preparedness in commercial aviation. Authorities are expected to investigate exactly what happened inside the cockpit, including the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the aircraft’s subsequent loss of altitude.

Machchhar has more than a decade of commercial aviation experience. Before joining Flydubai in 2022, he worked with SpiceJet for around 11 years and held senior flying and training positions. His professional profile lists thousands of hours of flying experience, including extensive experience with Boeing 737 aircraft.

For now, the focus remains on the captain’s recovery. His actions during the emergency have made him the central figure in an incident that could have had far more serious consequences.

While Modi’s comparison to a “9/11-like” attack reflects the potential scale of the danger he perceived, the precise circumstances and causes of the cockpit incident remain subject to investigation.