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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in preventing a potential disaster aboard a Flydubai flight carrying 174 people.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after an alleged attack in the cockpit. According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot stabbed or attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The plane reportedly plunged sharply by around 17,000 feet within a short period during the struggle. Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu hailed Machchhar’s “extraordinary bravery”, saying his actions helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster and saved the lives of all 174 people on board. The Israeli prime minister also praised passengers who helped subdue the attacker.
The motive behind the incident remains unclear, and Flydubai has said an investigation is underway. Israeli officials have described it as an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft, while the airline has cautioned against speculation about the motive before the investigation is completed.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. Modi also praised the pilot on social media, calling him a hero and saying his courage helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.
