US Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Honouring Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Foiling Flydubai Terror Attack
by Himanshu · KalingaTVAdvertisement
New Delhi: A bipartisan resolution has been introduced in the US House of Representatives honouring Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage in thwarting the attempted terrorist attack aboard flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The resolution was introduced by US Representative Josh Gottheimer, along with Representatives Michael McCaul and Don Bacon, and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The resolution honours Captain Machchhar as well as the crew and passengers of flydubai Flight 1073 for their courageous actions during the September 30 incident.
According to the resolution, Flight 1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv carrying approximately 174 passengers, including four US citizens and 27 children.
During the flight, the first officer allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and attempted to seize control of the plane. The aircraft subsequently lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Machchhar fought off the attack and managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing off-duty pilots to enter and crew members and passengers to restrain the attacker.
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The aircraft was subsequently brought under control and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, with all passengers and crew accounted for.
The resolution honours the Indian pilot for his “extraordinary courage” in protecting everyone aboard the aircraft. It also commends the off-duty pilots, cabin crew and passengers who helped secure the flight deck and bring the aircraft safely to the ground.
The resolution further condemns the attack on flydubai Flight 1073 as an act of terrorism and an attack on the safety of international civil aviation.
It also calls for a full and expeditious investigation by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while urging that the United States and Israel be kept fully informed about the investigation.
Meanwhile, Captain Machchhar continues to recover from the injuries sustained during the mid-air attack.
Also read: Captain Smit Regaining Health, Making Steady Progress: Indian Embassy in UAE
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