Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praises Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero after a Flydubai cockpit attack. Flydubai temporarily suspends Israel flights as investigations continue.
A dramatic incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has drawn international attention after Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during the journey. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions, calling him a “true hero” after he helped prevent what Israeli authorities described as a potential catastrophic incident.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when an emergency unfolded inside the cockpit. According to Israeli officials and reports from passengers, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently experienced a sharp descent before passengers and other crew members intervened.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew to enter and help restrain the attacker. Other pilots who were traveling on the aircraft as passengers also assisted in stabilizing the plane.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 eventually made an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. All passengers were accounted for, and the airline later arranged another flight to transport them to Tel Aviv. Reports said the aircraft was carrying 174 people.
Netanyahu Praises Captain Machchhar
Following the incident, Netanyahu publicly praised the Indian captain’s actions. He said Machchhar fought back despite being stabbed and seriously injured and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions helped save the lives of 174 people on board, including Israeli citizens and passengers of other nationalities. He also wished Machchhar a speedy and complete recovery.
The incident also prompted questions about aviation security and the screening of pilots operating international flights. Israel has said it intends to increase security checks on pilots flying into the country following the episode.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
In the aftermath of the incident, Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of its scheduled flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv. The airline said the suspension would allow authorities to continue their investigation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The airline also said it was coordinating with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders and would review the suspension as more information became available. Passengers affected by the disruption were promised support and alternative travel arrangements where possible.
The circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack remain under investigation. Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot after the aircraft landed in Tabuk, while Israeli and other authorities are examining the incident and aviation security procedures. Flydubai has cautioned against premature conclusions while investigators work to determine exactly what happened.
The incident has renewed international attention on cockpit security, pilot screening and emergency procedures on international flights. For now, Captain Machchhar’s actions, along with the intervention of passengers, crew members and other pilots, remain central to the investigation into how the aircraft was brought safely to the ground.
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