On 30 September, there was an attempted terrorist attack on flydubai Flight 1073. The flight was en route from Dubai to Israel. Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flight 1073, showed great courage and fought the attacker, who was the flight’s First Officer.
The courage shown by the captain drew praise from around the world. Here are 12 quotes praising Captain Machchhar’s courage:
Narendra Modi — Prime Minister of India. Modi praised the captain’s bravery on 1 October 2026.
Captain Smit Machchhar has shown the world the highest form of courage.
Benjamin Netanyahu — Prime Minister of Israel. Netanyahu addressed Captain Machchhar directly during their telephone conversation on 3 October 2026.
You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you are a hero of the entire world.
Donald Trump — President of the United States. Speaking to reporters on 30 September 2026, Trump praised the injured captain for opening the cockpit door so help could reach him.
In a way he was a hero to open the door.
Droupadi Murmu — President of India. President Murmu paid tribute to his courage and presence of mind on 1 October 2026.
The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar.
Isaac Herzog — President of Israel. At an awards ceremony on 8 October 2026, Herzog praised the captain and announced that he would receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism after recovering.
Captain Machchhar’s sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe.
Jaishankar — External Affairs Minister of India. Jaishankar shared this tribute in a social media post praising Captain Machchhar’s courage.
Join the countless voices from across the world in saluting his valour and praying for his speedy recovery.
Anwar Gargash — Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. Gargash praised Captain Machchhar’s bravery and sense of responsibility on 2 October 2026.
His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero.
Sachin Tendulkar — Cricket legend
A true real-life hero. The entire world is proud of you.
Yuvraj Singh — Former international cricketer
Some moments show you what a person is truly made of.
Suresh Raina — Former international cricketer
A true hero, a proud moment for India!
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister. Sheikh Hamdan shared this tribute after visiting Captain Machchhar on 3 October 2026.
From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise.
Mike Huckabee — US Ambassador to Israel
I hope the entire nation of India is proud of Capt Machchhar! He is a hero in Israel today.
We wish Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery. These 12 quotes have been verified against their sources.
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