PM Modi Speaks To Capt Smit Machchhar’s Family, Applauds His Bravery

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, who thwarted his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and applauded his bravery that saved hundreds of lives.

In his telephonic conversation with the pilot’s wife and parents, Modi also stressed that Indian missions are providing all possible help to the injured pilot, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

During the phone conversation, the prime minister applauded the bravery of the pilot that saved hundreds of lives, government sources said.

Earlier, Modi hailed the Indian pilot as a “hero” and said the country is proud of his valour.

The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk city.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. (Agencies)