New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday hailed Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his "heroic courage" and presence of mind during a mid-air incident, saying his actions helped prevent a major tragedy and save many precious lives.
"The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. His heroic courage and incredible presence of mind have deeply touched us all," President Murmu said in a post on X.
The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. His heroic courage and incredible presence of mind have deeply touched us all.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 1, 2026
Even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others. His bravery and quick response…
"Even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others. His bravery and quick response helped prevent a major tragedy and saved many precious lives," she said.
"I salute his indomitable spirit. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health," the President added.
Her remarks came after Machchhar, an Indian national and captain with Flydubai, was injured during a serious cockpit incident aboard flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Machchhar was allegedly attacked and stabbed by the co-pilot during the flight. Despite sustaining injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft was carrying 174 people, according to reports, and Machchhar has been credited with helping avert a potentially catastrophic outcome. He was taken to a hospital in Tabuk and was reported to be in stable condition.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also praised Machchhar and the others who responded during the incident.
I salute Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, the crew, and all who showed extraordinary courage and presence of mind under attack, helping save precious lives.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 1, 2026
Wishing Captain Machchhar a swift and full recovery.
🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/87QasXgxj9
"I salute Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, the crew, and all who showed extraordinary courage and presence of mind under attack, helping save precious lives. Wishing Captain Machchhar a swift and full recovery," Kharge said in a post on X.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the mid-air incident involving a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and wished him a speedy recovery.
I am so, so proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. Even with his own life on the line, he saved countless others, showing the world what true Indian courage looks like.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 1, 2026
It is only fitting that the global community is applauding him today. I join everyone in praying for the speedy… https://t.co/qU6FPjUxc7
Taking to social media, Kejriwal said, "I am so, so proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. Even with his own life on the line, he saved countless others, showing the world what true Indian courage looks like."
"It is only fitting that the global community is applauding him today. I join everyone in praying for the speedy recovery of this true hero from our India," he added.
READ MORE:Indian pilot Smit Machchar emerges hero in mid-air crash bid by co-pilot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also praised Machchhar's courage following the incident, while international leaders have expressed appreciation for the actions of the Indian pilot and others who helped bring the flight to safety.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of…
