Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery following a dramatic incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
According to reports, Machchhar was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot while the aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being seriously injured, the captain reportedly resisted the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.
In a post on X, Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a “true hero” and saluted him for what he described as extraordinary courage. He said the captain continued fighting despite his injuries, helping passengers and crew members overpower the attacker and preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Netanyahu also expressed his wishes for Machchhar’s speedy and complete recovery.
The incident remains under investigation, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack and the alleged motive of the co-pilot.
The episode has drawn widespread attention in India and Israel, with Machchhar being credited for his actions during the emergency.