Ahmedabad, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 who was injured during an in-flight cockpit incident, saying Gujarat and the country were “immensely proud” of his actions.
Machchhar was injured during the incident aboard the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was carrying 174 people, according to reports.
In a post on X, Patel said Machchhar displayed courage despite being seriously injured and helped avert a major tragedy.
“Gujarat and the entire nation are immensely proud! The indomitable courage and valour displayed by Captain Smit Machchhar in the skies is truly unimaginable,” Patel said.
Describing Machchhar as a Gujarati-origin Indian, the Chief Minister added, “He is a proud Indian, and Gujarati blood flows in his veins — a true reflection of our resilience and courage.”
Patel also said he saluted the pilot’s courage and prayed for his speedy and complete recovery.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also praised Machchhar, calling him a “HERO” and saying he showed “immense courage” and “unwavering resolve” to protect those on board.
“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” Modi said in a post on X, while wishing him a speedy recovery and good health.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, landed safely in Tabuk after the cockpit incident. Details surrounding the confrontation between the two pilots remain under investigation.
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