Real hero Machchhar; Indian pilot's valour impresses world leaders including Netanyahu, Trump

TEL AVIV: Several heads of state sang paeans of Captain Smit Machchhar (39), the Indian pilot who saved the lives of 174 passengers by fending off an attack by the co-pilot on a Flydubai flight. Aviation professionals and prominent figures in the UAE are also in high praise of Machchhar.

After overcoming the critical situation, Smit was brought to Dubai from Saudi Arabia for specialised medical treatment; his condition is reported to be satisfactory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Machchhar as a "real hero." Netanyahu noted that it was because Smit opened the cockpit door—despite having sustained serious stab wounds—that others were able to overpower the attacker.

U.S. President Donald Trump also praised Smit, noting that his timely intervention averted a major disaster. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that Smit would be honoured with the prestigious 'Gujarat Garima Award'. Smit's family, currently based in Mumbai, is of Gujarati origin.

An Omani co-pilot had attempted to crash the Flydubai Boeing 737 aircraft, which had departed from Dubai for Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday morning.

Colleagues stated that the co-pilot had been praying excessively throughout the day. He did not shake hands with female staff members. He had joined Flydubai eight months ago. The attacker will be handed over to the UAE from Saudi custody. His name and other details have not been released.

Smit was stabbed using the emergency crash axe kept in the cockpit. This tool is intended for pilots to break through cockpit panels or windows during emergencies. Indications suggest that the weapon was not brought in from outside.

Mystery remains:

• Why the attempt to crash the plane?

• Is there any link to a terrorist group or a country?

• Was it a premeditated act?

"I salute Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage. He averted a catastrophic air disaster." Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"Smit was in a dire situation. Yet, the presence of mind he showed in opening the cockpit door was remarkable. A truly brave man."- Donald Trump, President, U.S.