Mumbai, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde commended Captain Smita Machhar of FlyDubai on Monday for her extraordinary bravery during a recent flight emergency. He described her actions as a rare achievement that saved the lives of 174 passengers.
In a conversation, Shinde noted, “Captain Smita Machhar’s courage and bravery represent a unique accomplishment on a global scale. She risked her own life to ensure the safety of everyone on board, successfully preventing the plane from being hijacked.”
Shinde also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was among the first to congratulate the pilot and commend her heroic efforts.
“Our popular and successful Prime Minister expressed his pride that Smita Machhar hails from our nation and Mumbai, making Maharashtra proud as well,” Shinde added.
The incident occurred on September 30 when FlyDubai flight FZ-1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that the flight sent an emergency signal and descended rapidly from over 34,000 feet.
The aircraft carried 174 passengers, including 27 children, before it was diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Viral videos on social media show Machhar bloodied, wearing an oxygen mask, and lying on her back in the galley of the plane.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that an Israeli passenger informed him the aircraft began to spin and descend dangerously.
According to Netanyahu, a passenger and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit and subdue the pilot, who had attacked Machhar while attempting to tamper with the plane’s systems.
Machhar, who has been with FlyDubai for over four years and boasts more than 9,500 flight hours, is being hailed as a “true hero” for her role in saving the lives of all 174 individuals on board.
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