Last Updated:
Trivedi said the entire country was proud of Captain Smit, who he said helped save the lives of passengers during the incident.
BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi (Photo: X/BJP)
BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi on Sunday praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his role in the Flydubai incident and criticised the Congress for not publicly appreciating the pilot.
Trivedi said the entire country was proud of Captain Smit, who he said helped save the lives of passengers during the incident. He said that even Al-Qaeda had appreciated the Omani co-pilot involved in the incident, while accusing the Congress of not making any public statement in support of Captain Smit.
“But it is shameful that the Congress party has not spoken a word in appreciation of Captain Smith. There has been no post from the Congress party,” Trivedi said.
He said the issue reflected what he described as a difference between “the two mindsets” in the country.
“This shows the difference between the two mindsets of this country. One mindset that takes you towards these terrorists and the other that is in support of Captain Smit, who saved the lives of many,” he said.
Al Qaeda Calls For Similar Attacks
Al-Qaeda has reportedly called for copycat attacks targeting American and Israeli airliners, while invoking the September 11, 2001 attacks and praising the alleged attempt to seize control of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, the New York Post reported.
The report said the call was published in the latest edition of al-Bayan, a weekly publication launched in July by supporters of Al-Qaeda. The material was reportedly shared on Telegram channels linked to the group before it was apparently removed.
The publication reportedly referenced both the 9/11 attacks and the September 30 attempted takeover of flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, mostly Israelis, from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to the New York Post, the Arabic-language article urged attacks on aircraft carrying Americans and Israelis.
“The war isn’t over yet; planes carrying Zionists, Americans and all the other infidels fighting against Islam are still hovering in the skies and can be targeted, as happened on September 11th and 30th,” the article said, according to the Post.
The publication reportedly featured an image showing an aircraft crashing into the World Trade Centre during the September 11 attacks alongside another image referring to the attempted takeover of the flydubai flight.
“America and the Zionists have far more enemies today than before,” the article said, according to the Post. “Perhaps a man who does not believe in God will target them and his operation will ultimately benefit Islam.”
The article further declared, “The day will come when the empire of evil America will end.”
The New York Post reported that the material was circulated through Al-Qaeda-linked Telegram channels on Saturday before being taken down.
The Cockpit Incident
The situation escalated after Smit Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door, alerting those outside and allowing them to intervene. The aircraft was also in a steep descent during the confrontation.
Hearing the commotion, passengers rushed towards the cockpit. Two flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers also joined them. They were scheduled to operate the aircraft’s return flight.
The two off-roster pilots then took control of the aircraft and helped stabilise it before it was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Passengers Yaniv Hayun, Asaf Rajuan and Tzvika Manes were among those who entered the cockpit and helped overpower and restrain al-Hammami. Dentist Shota Musaev, meanwhile, provided first aid to the injured Smit Machchhar.
Musaev said Machchhar had sustained extensive injuries and suffered significant blood loss.
Quick Answers
Ask News18BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi slammed the Congress party for remaining silent and failing to make any public statement or social media post in appreciation of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped save passenger lives during the incident.
Ask News18About the Author
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
October 04, 2026, 11:47 IST
Read More
