Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday, October 1, lauded flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind in preventing an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash the aircraft, saying his commitment to passenger safety was commendable.
Machchhar’s bravery, presence of mind and fighting spirit in the face of adversity would be remembered and appreciated by all, Reddy said in a press release, wishing him a speedy and complete recovery.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday, September 30, and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of 34,000 feet before being diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Telangana Governor commends Machchhar
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla commended Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind in a moment of grave peril.
“Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Smit Machchhar remained focused on protecting others. His prompt action helped avert a major tragedy and save precious lives,” he said.
“I salute Captain Smit Machchhar’s indomitable spirit and sense of duty. His courage is an inspiration to the nation,” the Governor said, while praying for his speedy recovery and good health.
Bandi Sanjay wishes pilot speedy recovery
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also commended the Flydubai pilot and said India was proud of him.
“When danger struck, Captain Smit Machchhar chose duty over his own pain. Even after suffering serious injuries, he stayed alert, acted with remarkable presence of mind, and put others’ safety before his own. His courage helped avert a far greater tragedy. It protected countless lives,” Bandi Sanjay said in a post on X, adding that India was proud of Captain Smit Machchhar and wishing him strength, healing, and a swift recovery.
Telangana BJP also praises Machchhar
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Telangana unit also praised Smit Machchhar.
“The extraordinary act of bravery displayed by Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in the line of duty, to save hundreds of lives, has today not only enhanced India’s glory across the world but also once again vividly demonstrated to the world the splendour of the Indian ethos that rescuing those in distress is more important than one’s own life,” the party said in a social media post.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao also praised Smit Machchhar.
“Salute the bravery of pilot Smit Machchhar. Prayers for his speedy recovery,” Rama Rao posted on X.
(With inputs from IANS)
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