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Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as 'True Hero' for Foiling Flydubai Attack
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News18•01-10-2026, 01:00
Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as 'True Hero' for Foiling Flydubai Attack
- •Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his "extraordinary bravery" in preventing a mid-air disaster on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv.
- •Machchhar was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot during an alleged attack but fought back, opened the cockpit door, and allowed passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
- •Netanyahu stated that Machchhar saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens, and wished him a speedy recovery.
- •The Flydubai flight, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.
- •Flydubai confirmed an in-flight incident and safe landing, urging against speculation while authorities investigate the event.
Key Questions Answered
Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery after he was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, fighting back to open the cockpit door and allow passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
Captain Machchhar saved the lives of 174 people on board, which included Israeli citizens as well as other nationals.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Captain Machchhar was subsequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for his stab wounds.
