Panchkula, Oct. 2 -- Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij on Friday commended Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight, and said his actions made the country proud.
Machchhar was captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the co-pilot attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit. Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing others on board to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Vij said Machchhar not only helped avert a major tragedy but also credited Indian culture for the values that guided him during the crisis. "Captain Smit Mac...