Crime & Law · India
Pilot Smit Machchhar Praised for Averting Mid-Air Incident
Captain Smit Machchhar is being widely recognized for his actions during a mid-air incident where he was attacked by an Omani pilot who used his feet to damage the controls. Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar continued to fly the aircraft, averting a potential catastrophe and saving 174 passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar via video call, applauding his bravery. The incident has drawn international attention, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising Machchhar's courage. Comparisons are being made to Neerja Bhanot, a past recipient of India's highest peacetime gallantry award, with discussions arising about whether Captain Machchhar should also receive the Ashok Chakra.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
L 0 C 5 R 4
- Centre (5): Deccan Chronicle, NDTV, Navbharat Times, Telangana Today, The New Indian Express
- Right (4): OpIndia, Republic World, TFIPOST, The Commune