Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as a guest of honour after the pilot helped prevent a potentially catastrophic incident aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Netanyahu extended the invitation during a telephone conversation with the injured captain, who is recovering after being attacked inside the cockpit during Flydubai Flight FZ1073. The Israeli prime minister praised Machchhar for his courage and said he had demonstrated exceptional bravery in protecting passengers and crew.
According to reports, Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot attacked him while the aircraft was in flight. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The aircraft, which was carrying 174 passengers, subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The passengers were reported to have survived the incident, while Machchhar was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment.
During his conversation with Netanyahu, Machchhar described how the attack began. He said the co-pilot had asked for time to pray and that he had looked forward out of respect. Several minutes later, he was struck from behind and initially believed the aircraft itself had suffered a serious problem.
Machchhar said he eventually realised he was being attacked and fought to regain access to the cockpit door. Although the attacker initially managed to close the door, the injured captain made another attempt and succeeded in opening it, enabling people outside the cockpit to intervene.
Netanyahu told the captain that his actions had saved lives and described him as a hero of India, Israel and the wider world. He also invited Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s next Independence Day ceremony by lighting a ceremonial flame.
The proposed honour is traditionally associated with Israeli citizens. However, Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions warranted special recognition. The Times of Israel noted that the final selection of torch lighters follows an established governmental process and cannot be determined unilaterally by the prime minister.
The incident has also raised broader questions about aviation security and the screening of flight crew. UAE authorities have described the attack as a terrorist act, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot and how the incident developed.
The episode has placed Captain Machchhar’s conduct at the centre of international attention, with both Indian and Israeli leaders publicly commending his response. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier spoken with the pilot and praised his quick decisions during the emergency.
For Obaland magazine, the incident underscores the importance of professional responsibility and decisive action during aviation emergencies. It also demonstrates how an individual crew member’s response in a critical situation can have consequences extending far beyond the aircraft itself.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar to Israel after the pilot helped prevent a mid-air disaster during a cockpit attack.