Netanyahu praises 'hero' Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for bravery after flydubai cockpit attack

Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a "true hero" after the dramatic cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, crediting his actions with helping prevent a major mid-air disaster. Machchhar was stabbed during the confrontation with his co-pilot but managed to resist, open the cockpit door and allow passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, was later diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.

In a post on X, Netanyahu said: "My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery." He said Machchhar continued to fight back despite being seriously injured and helped enable passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Netanyahu said the captain's actions helped save the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, and wished him “a speedy and full recovery".

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was thrown into chaos after a violent struggle broke out inside the cockpit between the captain and co-pilot.

Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed the captain before the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude. The co-pilot, whom an Israeli official identified as an Omani national, tried to take control of the aircraft.

The plane then went into a dramatic descent. Flight-tracking data showed it plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers heard shouting and rushed towards the cockpit as the aircraft lost altitude. The captain was reportedly able to open the cockpit door before collapsing, allowing passengers to enter and confront the alleged attacker.

A second set of pilots travelling on the flight then took over the controls. The aircraft was eventually stabilised and diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.PASSENGERS FOUGHT TO REGAIN CONTROL

The passengers' intervention became a crucial part of the unfolding drama. Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter Miryam Shira Ohayon was on the flight, told AFP that her daughter heard a struggle inside the cockpit.

"She said one pilot tried to kill the other pilot with a knife. They heard shouting," Abukasis said.

She said another passenger went towards the cockpit and "saw a lot of blood". Several Israelis seated near the front then rushed towards the cockpit and fought the alleged attacker, according to the passenger.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.- Ends