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Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as 'Hero,' Invites Him and PM Modi to Israel
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CNBC TV18•04-10-2026, 14:42
Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as 'Hero,' Invites Him and PM Modi to Israel
- •Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his heroic actions during a flydubai cockpit attack, calling him a "hero for Israel, India, and the entire world."
- •Netanyahu invited Captain Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel's Independence Day ceremony, an honor usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
- •Machchhar recounted the terrifying incident where his co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to descend sharply before he managed to open the door.
- •Despite injuries and blurred vision, Machchhar's persistence allowed passengers to intervene and overpower the attacker, preventing a major tragedy.
- •The flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot's "terrorist act," with Machchhar currently recovering in the UAE.
Key Questions Answered
Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his incredible courage, coolness of judgment, and life-saving actions during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight.
Netanyahu invited Captain Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony as a special honor usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
Machchhar recalled that his co-pilot asked to pray before suddenly striking him from behind, causing blurred vision and a rapid aircraft descent, prompting the pilot to make a final heroic effort to open the cockpit door.
