Smit Machchhar's father-in-law is proud that the pilot saved his passengers' lives by fending off an axe attack from his co-pilot, who was allegedly attempting to crash the flydubai flight. He is also proud of the fact that he saved Indian pilots from infamy that could have sparked prejudice against them in the future.
"Had the plane crashed, it would have sent a wrong message to the world that the plane crashed under an Indian pilot's stewardship. Hence, Smit has done great work for society, the state and the country. We are all very proud of him," said Jaysukh Jogi, the pilot's father-in-law.