New Delhi, Oct 1 (TIWN): Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received praise from US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his courageous actions helped prevent a major disaster aboard a Flydubai flight.

Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him during Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. The aircraft reportedly went into a steep descent during the incident. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and overpower the attacker. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped stabilize and land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s “extraordinary bravery,” saying his actions helped avert what could have been a catastrophic mid-air disaster. Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions helped save the lives of all 174 people aboard the aircraft.

US President Donald Trump also called the Indian pilot a hero while commenting on the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately praised Machchhar on X, calling him a “HERO” and saying his courage, despite serious injuries, helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

Modi later spoke with Captain Machchhar’s wife and parents, according to government sources cited by The Times of India. The Prime Minister praised the pilot’s bravery and assured the family that Indian missions were providing all possible assistance.

Machchhar, who is from Mumbai and previously worked with SpiceJet, is being treated at a hospital in Tabuk. Indian officials said he is in stable condition and that they remain in contact with his family and Saudi authorities. The circumstances and motive behind the cockpit attack remain under investigation.