Modi hails 'hero' flydubai pilot for averting disaster

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a "HERO" on Thursday after he was wounded by his co-pilot aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, sparking a fight for control of the aircraft.

"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO," Modi said in a statement posted on social media.

"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," Modi added.

"His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also hailed Machchhar "for his extraordinary bravery", praising him for fighting back despite being wounded and "preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster" on Wednesday.

Netanyahu said the co-pilot of the flydubai jet had been trying to crash the aircraft and kill all its passengers.

Flydubai said all the passengers -- of whom 166 out of 174 were Israeli, according to media reports -- were safe, adding that the reasons for the altercation were unknown.