India, Oct. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for averting a "9/11-style tragedy" by foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

"The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage. Indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy," he said, referring to the US terror strikes that saw hijacked planes crash into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

"The bravery of flydubai's Captain Smit Machchhar fills our hearts with pride," Modi added.

He made the remarks at a functio...