US hails Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for foiling Flydubai terror bid

US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and fellow passengers after they foiled a violent cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight. His remarks added to global acclaim for their courage as investigators probe an alleged terrorist attempt.

In Short

• The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe mid-flight
• Despite injuries, the captain opened the cockpit, enabling others to intervene
• Crew and passengers overpowered the assailant after emergency signals were transmitted

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Saturday praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and other passengers for stopping what he described as a terrorist incident on board a FlyDubai flight. In a post on X, Landau said he had "utmost respect" and "awe" for Machchhar, Yaniv Huyan and the other mostly Israeli passengers on flight FZ1073.

His remarks came days after the UAE, which is leading the investigation into Wednesday's incident, said the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act. Machchhar has been hailed for fighting back during a mid-air stabbing and helping prevent the aircraft from crashing.

"I'd like to express my utmost respect and, frankly, awe to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, and to Yaniv Huyan and the other mostly Israeli passengers on that flight for preventing what would have been one of the world's most horrific terrorist incidents," Landau said.

He added, "In a world in which machines and technology do so much for us, it's really inspiring to read about raw acts of courage by people who are just living their normal lives and not anticipating such a challenge. The nations of India and Israel should be very proud."

According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot used a crash axe to attack Machchhar and tried to take control of the aircraft. Earlier reports said Machchhar, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot.

The flight, carrying 174 passengers, sent out emergency signals and made a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet before making an emergency landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the injured pilot, passengers and other crew members had "managed to prevent a 9/11 disaster".

Landau's comments added to the international praise for Machchhar and the passengers, as investigators in the UAE continue to examine the attempted terrorist act on the flight.

With PTI Inputs

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