Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. File
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind during a mid-air crisis aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday (September 30, 2026).
The leaders commended the captain for his actions after he was attacked in the cockpit by his co-pilot, who allegedly tried to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, according to reports. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Mr. Machchhar is said to have managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to overpower the attacker.
In a post on X, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said the captain’s actions helped avert a potentially catastrophic tragedy and save the lives of 174 people on board.
“Despite being seriously injured, Captain Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door, enabling the crew and passengers to overpower the attacker,” Mr. Pawan Kalyan said in the post.
“In a moment when every second mattered, he stood between danger and 174 lives,” he said, describing Mr. Machchhar as a “true hero” and a “proud son of Bharat”. He also prayed for the captain’s speedy and complete recovery.
In a post on X, Mr. Jagan also praised the captain’s courage and commitment to passenger safety.
“Hats off to Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage in saving the lives of the passengers and crew,” Mr. Jagan said.
Despite being seriously injured, the captain remained steadfast in his commitment to passenger safety, he said, describing Mr. Machchhar as the “pride of India” who demonstrated courage and selflessness. He wished the captain a speedy and full recovery.
The flight, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Machchhar, a native of Mumbai, is recovering from his injuries.
Published – October 01, 2026 12:56 pm IST
