Indian pilot hailed for courage following Flydubai cockpit altercation

NEW DELHI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has won praise for averting a crash of a Flydubai plane following an altercation inside the cockpit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Machchhar as a "hero."

"In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valor helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy," Modi wrote on social media. "India is proud of Captain Machchhar."

Machchhar was stabbed on Wednesday by a co-pilot mid-air on a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. He managed to open the cockpit door and call for help, after which the attacker was overpowered by the passengers and crew.

Reports said two Flydubai pilots traveling as passengers on the flight helped land the aircraft safely.

During the attack, the Flydubai plane plunged more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) two hours into its journey on Wednesday morning during the attack.

So far, authorities have not established a confirmed motive for the Flydubai cockpit attack.

Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk, where his flight was diverted.