New Delhi | President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday praised heroic courage and incredible presence of mind by Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight to Israel and said that the nation is proud of him.

Even after being seriously injured in a moment of grave peril, he remained determined to protect the lives of others, she said in a post on X.

The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals and made a sharp descent before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.

"The nation is proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. His heroic courage and incredible presence of mind have deeply touched us all," President Murmu said.

His bravery and quick response helped prevent a major tragedy and saved many precious lives, she said.

"I salute his indomitable spirit. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health," President Murmu said.