Bhupendra Machchhar, father of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, said God has saved his son's life. Expressing gratitude to God, while speaking to NDTV, Bhupendra said he was immensely proud of Smit's actions, in which he saved around 180 lives during the Flydubai crash scare.

He said his son is determined to return to his pilot job despite being injured. Flying is like his wife, the father said.

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Bhupendra said his son received injuries to his head and his hands, and he was recovering, but complete healing will take some time.

Smit bravely fought the co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai plane near Israel airspace and got severely injured. After a successful landing in Saudi Arabia, Smit was airlifted to Dubai, where his treatment is underway.

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PM Modi Speaks To Smit Machchaar

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Smit and applauded his bravery. During the telephonic conversation, Machchaar gave details of his experience and what gave him courage during the incident. PM Modi applauded the pilot's bravery and wished him a quick recovery.

The prime minister on Thursday had said that, in the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, Machchhar showed immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.

PM Modi said Machchhar is a "HERO" and his valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the prime minister had also said that the pilot of the flydubai flight showed great patience, acumen and bravery.

PM Modi also spoke to the wife and parents of Machchhar and applauded his bravery that saved hundreds of lives.

How Flydubai Flight Crash Scare Unfolded

The flydubai flight FZ1073 had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk city. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.

In videos circulating on social media, the pilot can be seen drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the aircraft.

(With PTI inputs)