Israeli leaders hail Captain Smit Machchhar after flydubai cockpit attack

Israeli leaders have hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar after he was stabbed and seriously injured in the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073, saying his actions helped stop an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash the aircraft carrying nearly 180 people.

The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. It sent emergency signals on Wednesday, descended sharply by more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet, and diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely and authorities took the co-pilot into custody.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Machchhar acted despite his injuries. “Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker - preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” Netanyahu said in a statement, calling him a “true hero”. “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” he said, adding that Machchhar saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. “I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry also called Machchhar a “hero” and praised the combined efforts of the Indian pilot, Israeli passengers and Emirati crew. “Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of flydubai Flight 1073, fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit. Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save all the passengers,” it said. “Together, their extraordinary courage saved 174 lives. Indian. Israeli. Emirati. Different nationalities. One extraordinary act of courage. We wish Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery,” it added.

Videos circulating on social media showed the pilot covered in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the aircraft galley.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Machchhar had been admitted to a hospital in Tabuk in north-west Saudi Arabia and was reported to be in stable condition. “We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest. We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being,” it said.

Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said people in Israel were praying for the “brave Indian pilot” who fought off his co-pilot’s mid-air attack to save Israeli passengers. “In a moment of terror, he showed extraordinary courage. Today, our hearts are with him and his family,” he said in a post on X.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also described Machchhar as a “true hero”. “Wishing a speedy recovery to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who bravely fought to save lives, even after he was stabbed and severely wounded. Captain Machchhar, you’re a true hero. The people of Israel are praying for your recovery,” he said in a social media post.

Former Israeli Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Yossi Zilberman said Machchhar’s courage and determination, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew, helped save lives. “Praying for Captain Smit Machchhar, the brave Indian pilot of flydubai FZ1073. His courage, professionalism and determination, alongside the courage of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew, helped save 180 lives! Different nations. One shared courage. One shared message: We stand together against terrorism,” he said in a post on X.

Israeli politician Almog Cohen called Machchhar Israel’s “hero of the day” and said the country owed him a “tremendous debt of gratitude”. Cohen said he would propose naming a lounge at Ben Gurion Airport after Machchhar when the next Knesset convenes. He also wished the Indian pilot a “full and speedy recovery” and praised his family for teaching him that “saving human life is the highest value”. “Tonight, the State of Israel salutes you, Captain Machchhar,” he said.

Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the incident on board the plane “was a jihadist terrorist attack attempt, which was thwarted only thanks to the bravery of several Israeli passengers who broke into the cockpit and overpowered the terrorist”. The case drew messages of support from across Israel as Machchhar remained in hospital in Saudi Arabia after the flight landed safely and all 174 passengers survived.