Stories
Indian Pilot Honored by Netanyahu, Invited to Israel with PM Modi to Light Flame.
- •Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar has been invited by Benjamin Netanyahu to light a celebratory flame at the next Israel Independence Day event.
- •This honor is typically reserved for Israeli citizens, but Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special invitation.
- •Machchhar recounted how his co-pilot attacked him, blurring his vision and causing the plane to rapidly descend.
- •Despite severe injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker.
- •Two reserve pilots took control, safely landing the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving 174 lives.
Key Questions Answered
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited pilot Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming Israel Independence Day event to light a celebratory flame at the ceremony, an honor typically reserved for Israeli citizens.
During a Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, the co-pilot suddenly attacked the captain using an emergency crash-axe. The aircraft experienced a rapid descent and was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after reserve pilots took control.
UAE authorities announced on October 3 that the co-pilot's attack on the captain with an emergency aircraft axe is currently being investigated as an attempted act of terrorism, while the full cause and a potential conspiracy remain under investigation.
