Despite being stabbed by a fellow pilot midair and sustaining serious injuries, Indian pilot Smith Machar, the ‘hero’ who thwarted an attempt to bring down the aircraft without regard for his own life, has drawn praise from leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said the entire nation takes pride in his brave act.
A Flydubai aircraft that departed from Dubai on Wednesday for Tel Aviv, Israel, with 174 passengers, including 27 children, was flying midair when the Omani co-pilot suddenly stabbed Indian pilot Captain Smith Machar with a knife and took over control with the apparent intent of bringing the plane down.
As a result, the aircraft, which was flying at an altitude of 34,000 feet, plunged rapidly and lurched downward by about 17,000 feet within the next few minutes.
At the same time, Smith Machar, who was battling severe injuries, opened the cockpit door. Following this, passengers who entered the cockpit subdued the Omani pilot who carried out the attack. Through the efforts of other crew members, the plane was brought back under control and safely landed in Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s praise - thanks: This incident, which unfolded to a degree that surpassed a movie scene, has become a topic of discussion worldwide. Israel has described the Omani pilot as a terrorist and his act as an attempted terrorist attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other leaders of the country have praised Indian pilot Smith Machar, who averted a major disaster without regard for his own life, calling him a true hero. They also wished him a speedy recovery and expressed Israel’s gratitude to him.
Video footage showing Machar lying in the aircraft, wearing an oxygen mask and surrounded by a pool of blood, spread rapidly on social media.
Praise from Indian leaders: Indian leaders have also showered praise on pilot Machar from Gujarat.
In an X post released on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu said, “At a perilous moment, even though he was grievously injured, Indian pilot Machar acted with determination to save the lives of others. A major tragedy was averted because of his courage and swift response. I salute his unshakable resolve. The entire nation takes pride in Machar’s bravery and extraordinary presence of mind.”
An extraordinary hero: In an X post released by Vice President of the Republic C.P. Radhakrishnan, he said, “Even though he was severely injured, the determination and decisive action shown mid-air by Indian pilot Machar prevented a catastrophic disaster and saved many lives. The nation takes pride in that extraordinary hero.”
Immense courage: In an X post released by Prime Minister Modi, he said, “Facing grave danger and despite being severely injured, ‘hero’ Captain Smith Machar displayed immense courage and unwavering resolve to save the lives of others. His bravery saved many lives and prevented a major tragedy.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS national media in-charge Sunil Ambekar, among others, have also praised Machar.

Speaking at the UPSC event in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, “Indian pilot Captain Smith Machar has prevented another attack like the one carried out by Al-Qaeda terrorists in the United States on September 11, 2001, when planes were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Without worrying about his own life, he has shown the world the highest form of courage. The entire world feels proud thinking of him. I spoke with his parents and wife. He is currently undergoing treatment. Everyone should pray that our brother Machar, who has brought pride to the nation, lives a long life and remains in good health,” he said.
Conversation with family members: Prime Minister Modi spoke by phone on Thursday with the wife and parents of pilot Smith Machar. The Prime Minister said that all necessary assistance is being provided by the Indian Embassy to him, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Sources said that the Prime Minister also praised Machar’s courage.
Gujarat government announces award
Gandhinagar, Oct. 1: In recognition of pilot Smith Machar’s bravery, the Gujarat government has announced the ‘Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for him. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced this through a post on X. Special prayers were held at the famous Somnath temple, wishing for Machar’s speedy recovery.
President Trump’s praise
Washington, Oct. 1: Speaking to reporters about the plane incident, U.S. President Trump said, “I spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Flydubai pilot, even though he was in a very bad condition, opened the cockpit door and cried out for help. His presence of mind is astonishing. In a way, he is a hero.
The co-pilot who carried out the knife attack on the pilot may have been a terrorist or mentally unstable. A plumber who had never flown a plane before helped bring the Flydubai aircraft under control. That is also astonishing,” he said.
