New Delhi/IBNS, Oct. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a dramatic mid-air cockpit attack aboard a flydubai flight, saying his actions helped avert a tragedy similar to the 9/11 attacks.

Speaking at an event, PM Modi said that Machchhar demonstrated "patience, wisdom, and courage" during the incident.

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers, including 27 children.

According to Israeli officials and passenger accounts, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit and stabbed him before attempting to interfere with the aircraft's controls. The plane ...