Indian Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Wins Global Praise From Netanyahu and US Official

Spread love

By TRH World Desk

Benjamin Netanyahu, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and UAE leaders praise Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage after a cockpit attack; injured pilot helped passengers intervene and avert a potential catastrophe.

New Delhi, October 4, 2026 — Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received international recognition for his extraordinary courage after a violent cockpit incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders in the United Arab Emirates have praised Machchhar for his actions during the mid-air emergency. Their tributes have turned the injured pilot into a symbol of courage and professional responsibility across national boundaries.

Netanyahu calls Indian pilot a hero

Netanyahu was among the first international leaders to publicly salute Machchhar after the September 30 incident. The Israeli prime minister said the captain fought back despite being stabbed and seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker.

Netanyahu credited the pilot with helping save the lives of all 174 people aboard the aircraft, including Israeli citizens, and wished him a full recovery. He subsequently invited Machchhar to visit Israel as a guest of honour and participate in the country’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony next May.

US Deputy Secretary expresses ‘utmost respect and awe’

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also praised Machchhar and the passengers who helped prevent a potential disaster.

In a post on X, Landau expressed his “utmost respect” and “awe” for the Indian captain, passenger Yaniv Huyan and the other passengers, most of whom were Israeli.

Landau said their actions had prevented what could have been one of the world’s most horrific terrorist incidents. He added that India and Israel should be proud of their citizens’ courage.

His remarks highlighted how individual acts of bravery can have consequences far beyond national borders, particularly when hundreds of lives are at stake.

UAE and India join international tributes

The United Arab Emirates has also recognised Machchhar’s courage. Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met the injured captain and praised his courage, responsibility and commitment to protecting human life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Machchhar while he was recovering in hospital. The captain recounted how, despite his injuries, he realised the aircraft was descending and made a final effort to open the cockpit door so passengers could intervene.

A crisis that demanded extraordinary courage

According to reports citing UAE authorities, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite being wounded, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help subdue the attacker.

The aircraft issued emergency signals and descended rapidly before making an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers subsequently helped take control of the aircraft and land it safely.

The UAE investigation into the incident and its possible motive remains underway. The circumstances and intent behind the attack must be established by investigators.