Captain Smit Machchhar hailed as hero by Israeli PM after averting cockpit incident
Quick Look
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel as a guest of honour after he helped avert a cockpit incident on flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026, which left him injured.
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
- Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel, and the world, and said he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would light a flame at Israel's Independence Day ceremony next May.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The incident occurred on flydubai flight FZ1073 en route to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, when the captain was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot in the cockpit. Despite injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene, leading to a safe diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Captain Smit Machchhar hailed as hero by Israeli PM after averting cockpit incident
Last updated: October 03, 2026 | 23:07
Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday invited the Indian captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight to Israel as a guest of honour after the pilot gave a dramatic account of how he helped save the aircraft following a security incident in the cockpit.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured during the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30. The flight was carrying 174 people. Despite his injuries, Machchhar helped bring the situation under control before the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
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Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as one of Israel's key international partners, to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May. He said the honour is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
"You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and you are a hero of the entire world," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office showing his telephone conversation with the hospitalised captain.
Investigation continues
According to details released about the incident, Machchhar was seriously injured after an alleged attack by the co-pilot inside the cockpit. He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said on Friday that Machchhar had safely returned to the UAE, was in good condition and was receiving medical treatment.
An investigation into the incident is under way. A team comprising members of the Public Prosecution was formed following an order from the UAE Attorney-General. Authorities are coordinating with regional and international agencies while maintaining the confidentiality of the inquiry.
- With inputs from AFP
Also In This Package
flydubai pilot reveals cockpit incident: ‘Had to act’
flydubai CEO thanks crew, passengers after incident
Modi speaks to injured flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar
Gargash hails flydubai pilot as a ‘true hero’
Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor
Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, and entertainment, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.
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Up Next
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The UAE-led investigation will conclude with formal findings and potential legal action against the co-pilot.
Likely · Within weeks
Captain Smit Machchhar will attend the Israeli Independence Day ceremony in May 2027 to light a flame alongside Narendra Modi, as invited by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What was the motive behind the alleged co-pilot attack?
- What specific injuries did Captain Machchhar sustain?
- What safety protocols will be reviewed following this incident?
- Will the co-pilot face criminal charges, and under which jurisdiction?
