Stories
Fighter Jets Scrambled After Flydubai Scare, Israeli Envoy Praises Heroic Pilot
- •Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar revealed fighter jets were scrambled after emergency signals from a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight.
- •The incident was triggered by an alleged co-pilot attack, prompting an immediate alert among Israel's civil aviation, air force, and political leadership.
- •Ambassador Azar lauded Captain Smit Machchhar's extraordinary bravery, stating his actions saved 180 passengers despite being stabbed.
- •Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing three Israeli passengers to neutralize the attacker and secure the flight.
- •Azar emphasized that Captain Machchhar's actions prevented a potential repeat of a 9/11-like scenario.
Key Questions Answered
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar stated that fighter jets were scrambled immediately after emergency signals were received from the Tel Aviv-bound flight. Although the aircraft ultimately landed safely without requiring intervention, the incident triggered an immediate alert among civil aviation authorities, the air force, and political leadership.
Despite being stabbed by his co-pilot, Indian Captain Sumit Machar demonstrated extreme courage by opening the cabin door. This allowed three Israeli passengers to enter and neutralize the attacker, while additional pilots and crew members stepped in to take over the flight.
Ambassador Reuven Azar stated that the heroic intervention of Captain Sumit Machar and the passengers saved 180 lives and prevented a tragedy reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks, where hijackers took control of planes to crash them into buildings.
