Prime Minister Modi Praises Indian Pilot Injured in Cockpit Attack Over Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage after a physical fight broke out inside an airline cockpit over northern Saudi Arabia. ## The Incident The violent struggle between the two crew members inside a Boeing 737 Max B flydubai aircraft caused the plane to suddenly drop 14,300 feet in about 30 seconds. The flight sent out a hijack warning and diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely on the ground. ## Aftermath and Reactions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the wounded Indian captain for fighting back and opening the cockpit door so passengers and crew could overpower the attacker. Captain Machchhar, who is from Ghatkopar East in Mumbai and worked out of Dubai, suffered knife wounds during the altercation. Both pilots were taken to the hospital following the incident, according to authorities at Tabuk Airport. Captain Machchhar underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition, while the second pilot was arrested by authorities in Saudi Arabia. ## Context Incidents of security breaches or physical altercations inside commercial flight decks are extremely rare due to strict global aviation safety rules. Quick emergency responses and safe aircraft diversions highlight the rigorous training protocols followed by international flight crews.