flydubai pilot captain smit machchhar praised for averting crash of israel bound flight

FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar averted the crash of an Israel-bound flight by fighting off an attacker in the cockpit, saving himself and 173 others.

Reports state Captain Machchhar prayed during the cockpit attack and sent a message to his children.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Machchhar as a hero following the mid-air incident.

A group in Israel gathered recorded public messages of gratitude and affection for the Indian pilot.

Organizers set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $130,000 for the wounded pilot.

The incident highlights the international recognition and public support directed toward Indian pilot Smit Machchhar following the mid-air attack.