Israel publishes a photo of the Indian pilot who thwarted an attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv
Quick Look
The Israeli Foreign Ministry published the first photo of Indian pilot Smit Machhar who resisted an attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, describing him as a "hero" after he prevented what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a potential catastrophe similar to the September 11 attacks.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The flight was heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an assailant tried to stab the pilot inside the cockpit, raising fears of an attempt to hijack or shoot down the plane similar to the September 11 attacks.
(CNN) - The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the first photo of the Indian pilot, Smit Machhar, who resisted an attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, on Wednesday, describing him as a “hero.”
The photo was published by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on its page on the
She continued: "Despite his severe injury, he was able to open the cabin door, which allowed the Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save all the passengers. Their exceptional courage - combined - saved the lives of 174 people... Indian, Israeli, Emirati... different nationalities. And one exceptional act of bravery... We wish Captain Machhar a full and speedy recovery."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN on Wednesday that the pilot who resisted - on a Flydubai flight that was rerouted - after it appeared that another pilot in the cockpit tried to shoot down the plane "succeeded in preventing a catastrophe similar to the attacks of September 11, 2001," in reference to the attacks on the United States after Al-Qaeda members targeted the World Trade Centers.
“This is what appears to have been happening in terms of the specific motivations behind this,” Netanyahu added, adding that he spoke with US President Donald Trump “about this amazing act of heroism that prevented a catastrophe. Not only would it have been a catastrophe for Israel, but you can imagine how it could have affected the global aviation sector.”
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Pilot Smit Machhar will be officially honored by Israel, the UAE and India
Very likely · Within weeks
Flydubai will review and enhance cockpit security protocols on its flights
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What exactly is the identity of the assailant and his motives?
- Was there prior planning for the attack?
- What measures will flydubai and the authorities take to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?
