Upholding Indian spirit of service before self": Civil Aviation Minister Naidu lauds Captain Smit Machchhar for averting flydubai mid-air tragedy

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for preventing a major tragedy after he was seriously injured during an alleged attack in the cockpit of flydubai Flight FZ1073. Speaking after the incident, Naidu said Machchhar upheld the Indian “spirit of service before self,” citing his courage and presence of mind in protecting passengers. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol echoed the praise, calling Machchhar a “true hero” and saying his actions helped avert a major tragedy and save 174 lives. Mohol said Machchhar continued operating despite injuries, including unlocking the cockpit door so passengers and crew could intervene. The incident involved Machchhar, reportedly stabbed by the co-pilot, during a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight; Naidu, S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi all hailed him.