Envoys worldwide hail Captain Smit Machhar for saving over 100 lives after co-pilot attack on flydubai flight

Several foreign ambassadors and political commentators in India on Thursday praised the courage of Captain Smit Machhar. His bravery is said to have averted a major mid-air disaster on Wednesday and saved more than 100 passengers.

Captain Machhar's role in averting the danger on flydubai flight FZ 1073 is being applauded internationally. During the incident, the co-pilot made a murderous attack on Captain Machhar, causing the aircraft to suddenly start descending. Covered in blood, the Indian pilot stood up to the attacker and opened the cockpit door. Passengers then rushed to help him, entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker.

After the attacker was caught, the seriously injured Smit tried to steady the aircraft. Somehow, he brought it down in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, praised the Indian pilot's exceptional courage and good judgment in saving the lives of passengers and crew members. Colonne wrote on X: "Salute to Captain Smit Machhar for showing extraordinary courage and judgment in the face of danger." According to her, even though he was seriously injured, Smit acted with remarkable composure and determination to save the lives of those in his care. Colonne wrote that his courage and the bravery of the other passengers and crew members helped avert a terrible incident. She also prayed for his quick recovery.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also posted on X, calling the Indian pilot a true hero. He wrote that he prayed for Captain Smit Machhar's quick recovery. According to Danon, the Indian pilot kept fighting bravely to save lives even as he was attacked repeatedly and badly wounded. He said: "Captain Machhar, you are a true hero, and Israel is praying for your health."

Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, had also praised Captain Smit's courage. He said Captain Smit is a symbol of India's courage and sense of duty. Despite being seriously injured, he saved the lives of hundreds of innocent people and became a hero. According to Caucino, his courage and ideals will always be remembered, and the world is proud of him.

The Israeli Embassy in India also thanked the captain. Most of the passengers on the aircraft were Israeli. In a post on X, the embassy wrote: "Courage knows no limits. In difficult times, the courage of Captain Smit and the others reminds us of the deep bond between our peoples." According to the embassy, this bond is built on courage, solidarity and faith in the power of humanity. The embassy also prayed for Smit's quick recovery.

According to preliminary information, the co-pilot is said to be from Oman.