An Indian pilot, Captain Smith Machar, has drawn global acclaim after allegedly preventing a major terror attack aboard a UAE-based Flydubai flight, leaders said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who publicly praised his actions.
According to reports, the flight departed Dubai for Tel Aviv with 180 people on board, including 174 passengers. Mid-air, the co-pilot, said to be from Oman, allegedly attacked Captain Machar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, with claims that the plane was intended to be crashed into buildings in Israel.
Despite bleeding heavily from the assault, Captain Machar is said to have managed the situation and helped ensure the safety of those on board. Netanyahu said the cockpit door was opened, allowing passengers and others to enter and restrain the attacker, and added that control was regained when the aircraft went into a steep descent.
Modi called Machar “a true hero,” saying his swift response saved lives and prevented a catastrophe. Trump, speaking at the White House, said the captain remained responsible and composed even in a dangerous condition, crediting his presence of mind with averting a major disaster.
Questions were initially raised about how a weapon could have been used despite airport screening. Media reports and Netanyahu’s remarks suggested the attacker did not bring a knife from outside, but used a “crash axe” kept in the cockpit for emergencies such as breaking panels or opening jammed doors.
