Calling the pilot a hero, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that despite being wounded, Machchhar fought back
MUMBAI: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, hailed as a hero for fighting off his co-pilot who allegedly tried to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had shown remarkable presence of mind even as a young boy, according to his childhood friend Prateek Gandhi. We now hear that he has been operated upon and is doing good,” the pilot’s friend said. “When we first heard the news, we were all shocked. First of all, we did not realise that he is our Smit.
Calling the pilot a hero, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that despite being wounded, Machchhar fought back and managed to prevent a 9/11-type disaster.
Everyone is staying in Dubai,” said Gandhi, who recalled playing cricket with Smit in childhood as his next-door neighbour. “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X. He added, “India is proud of Captain Machchhar.”
“We have not heard any other news from his family. They are not here. “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.