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Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as "True Hero" After Mid-Air Attack
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Moneycontrol•03-10-2026, 00:08
Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar as "True Hero" After Mid-Air Attack
- •Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar as a "true hero" after PM Modi shared a video of his conversation with the injured pilot.
- •Machchhar is recovering from injuries sustained in an alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai aircraft, where he bravely confronted his co-pilot.
- •Netanyahu had previously commended Machchhar's "extraordinary bravery" for fighting back despite serious injuries, opening the cockpit door, and allowing passengers to overpower the attacker.
- •PM Modi spoke to Machchhar via video call, commending his courage, composure, and quick thinking during the crisis, which averted a potential aviation disaster.
- •Machchhar recounted drawing strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting for his life, saving 174 people aboard the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Key Questions Answered
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” after PM Modi shared a video of his conversation with the Indian pilot, who is recovering from injuries sustained during an alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai flight.
Despite suffering multiple injuries and being on the cockpit floor, Captain Machchhar mustered the strength to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and enable other pilots to divert the plane safely.
During his video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Machchhar shared that he drew strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting for his life inside the cockpit.
