International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Days after the horrific air attack in Flydubai flight FZ1073, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar on Saturday and praised him for his courage during the September 30 mid-air emergency involving an Israel-bound flight.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Indian pilot Smit Machchhar a hero for his courage during a September 30 attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073 and invited him to light Israel’s Independence Day torch.
Calling the Indian pilot a “hero for Israel, India and the entire world,” Netanyahu thanked Machchhar for his actions and invited him, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to attend Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
Netanyahu also offered Machchhar a special honour – lighting a torch at the ceremony, an honour traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens.
Netanyahu Calls Smit Machchhar A Hero
In the course of the phone call, Netanyahu told Machchhar that his efforts had helped save lives.
“You are a hero for Israel, for India and for the whole world,” Netanyahu said.
Subsequently, Netanyahu invited the pilot to be a part of the Independence Day celebrations in Israel. “I invite you to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebration,” Netanyahu said, calling it the highest honor that Israel awards on its
Independence Day celebration.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar:
“You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister @NarendraModi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.”… pic.twitter.com/e9nSJQ6TRj— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 3, 2026
Netanyahu added that though the award is normally awarded to Israeli citizens, he felt that Israelis will accept Machchhar and appreciate his bravery.
Israeli Prime Minister also conveyed his greetings to the family of Machchhar and wished him a quick recovery.
Captain Machchhar Describes The Attack
During the conversation, Netanyahu asked Machchhar to explain what happened inside the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar said the co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, had told him that he wanted to pray.
While Machchhar was not paying attention, he suddenly felt a powerful blow to the back of his head.
“At first I thought something was wrong with the aircraft,” Machchhar told Netanyahu.
But the attack continued, and he soon realised that he was being attacked by the other person inside the cockpit.
He said he tried to fight back, but the initial blows severely affected his vision.
‘I Had That One Last Fight Left In Me’
Machchhar said he tried to open the cockpit door, but the hijacker somehow was able to close it once more.
In spite of all the harm inflicted upon him, the captain understood that his survival depended on his ability to open the door.
“If I didn’t have that one last fight in me, I would be dead,” Machchhar said.
Then he forced himself to go towards the door and opened it.
“I gave everything I had and I went to the door, and opened it,” he said to Netanyahu.
Once the cockpit door was opened, everyone could access the place and overpower the co-pilot.
Flight Descended More Than 17,000 Feet
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft was carrying 174 people, including 27 children, when the alleged cockpit attack took place.
The aircraft subsequently went into a dramatic descent, losing more than 17,000 feet in around two minutes, according to reports. A hijacking distress signal was also transmitted.
The aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The incident is being investigated by authorities, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the motive of the co-pilot.
Netanyahu ‘Amazed’ By Pilot’s Courage
Netanyahu appeared deeply impressed as Machchhar described how he continued fighting despite his injuries.
“Frankly, I’m amazed at your courage, at your coolness of judgment under impossible conditions,” Netanyahu told him.
The Israeli Prime Minister said Machchhar had saved many lives and praised his determination during what he described as an extremely difficult situation.
“You saved so many lives,” Netanyahu said before asking Machchhar to convey his regards to his wife.
He also wished the injured pilot a quick recovery.
Netanyahu Says Attack Could Have Become Another 9/11
Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar and the passengers and crew for preventing what he described as a potential “9/11 disaster.” The reference was to the possibility of a passenger aircraft being deliberately brought down after the alleged cockpit attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar during a video call while he was receiving medical treatment and praised his presence of mind. Bollywood actors including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have also publicly praised the pilot.
Netanyahu’s invitation adds another international recognition to Machchhar’s actions.
If he accepts, the Indian pilot would participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony and light a ceremonial torch – an honour Netanyahu described as the country’s highest Independence Day recognition.
