Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar's Heroics on Flydubai Plane: ‘Extraordinary Bravery’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during a dramatic mid-air incident aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu described Machchhar's actions as “extraordinary bravery”, saying the injured pilot helped passengers and crew members gain access to the cockpit after allegedly being attacked by his co-pilot. The flight eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu's tribute to Smit Machchhar

In a post on X, Netanyahu said he saluted Machchhar for his courage. According to the Israeli prime minister, the Indian captain continued to resist despite being stabbed and seriously injured and managed to open the cockpit door.

Netanyahu said this allowed passengers and crew members to overpower the alleged attacker and prevented what could have become a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He also wished Machchhar a speedy and full recovery and described him as a “true hero.”

What happened on flydubai flight FZ1073?

The incident took place on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with a knife and attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls. During the struggle, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 reportedly descended by around 14,300 feet in approximately 30 seconds.

Machchhar, despite his injuries, was reportedly able to open the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and helped subdue the other pilot. Two off-duty flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently assisted with controlling the aircraft.

The aircraft diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers were subsequently transported to Tel Aviv on another flydubai flight.

Machchhar remains in hospital

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk and was receiving medical treatment. The embassy said he was reported to be in stable condition and that officials were in contact with his family.

Reports said Machchhar underwent surgery following the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, including the motive of the co-pilot, remain under investigation. Saudi authorities arrested the other pilot after the aircraft landed.

Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?

Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot who has served as a captain on flydubai's Boeing 737 fleet since June 2022. Before joining flydubai, he worked with SpiceJet.

According to reports, Machchhar has more than 9,750 hours of flying experience and over 13 years of commercial aviation experience on the Boeing 737. He is from Mumbai.

PM Modi also praised the pilot

Netanyahu's tribute came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar's actions.

Modi said India was proud of the captain and wished him a speedy recovery. He described Machchhar's actions as those of a hero and said his courage helped avert a major tragedy.

The incident has drawn international attention because of the combined actions of the injured captain, passengers and crew members, who helped ensure the aircraft reached the ground safely despite the cockpit emergency.