Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the family of Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar and praised his courage following a serious incident aboard a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was injured after an alleged knife attack by the co-pilot during the flight, but continued to play an important role in the effort to protect those on board.

The incident took place on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing. Passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. 

Reports indicate that the aircraft was flying at a high altitude when the incident took place. Machchhar suffered injuries during the confrontation but continued to respond to the emergency. Available accounts say that he helped open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft was later safely landed at Tabuk airport

There were 174 people on board the flight, including children. Following the incident, passengers were taken to safety and arrangements were made for their onward journey. Authorities are investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the attack and the co-pilot's actions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised Captain Machchhar's courage. Modi said that despite being seriously injured and facing an extremely dangerous situation, Machchhar showed courage and determination to protect other people. The Prime Minister also expressed his wishes for the captain's recovery. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar's actions. According to Netanyahu, the Indian captain continued to resist despite being seriously injured and helped open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker. 

Captain Smit Machchhar's professional experience has also come into focus following the incident. Available information indicates that he joined Flydubai as a Boeing 737 captain in June 2022. Before joining the airline, he worked with SpiceJet for around 11 years. He is reported to have extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft. 

The incident has also raised wider questions about aviation security and emergency procedures during flights. However, the investigation into the incident is still underway. The complete circumstances, including the motive behind the co-pilot's actions, are expected to become clearer after the investigation.

For now, Captain Machchhar's actions have received public recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Attention remains focused on the captain's recovery and the ongoing investigation into the incident.