'A True Hero': Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar For Foiling Flydubai Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” after he reportedly fought off his co-pilot during an alleged attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions after he was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident, saying the captain helped prevent what could have been a major mid-air disaster.

Netanyahu Praises Captain Machchhar

In a post on X, Netanyahu said Machchhar showed “extraordinary bravery” despite being injured. He said the Indian captain fought back, resisted the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.

According to Netanyahu, the passengers and crew then managed to overpower the attacker and regain control

of the aircraft.

“Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” the Israeli prime minister wrote.

My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.

Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2026

“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, while wishing Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.

Machchhar was taken to hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the aircraft made an emergency landing there. He underwent surgery and was later reported to be in a stable condition.

Flydubai Incident Under Investigation

The Flydubai flight, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, reportedly experienced a sharp descent before diverting to Tabuk.

Israeli officials said one of the pilots stabbed the other and allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers later helped subdue the attacker.

Flydubai has confirmed that the aircraft experienced an in-flight incident and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The airline said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.

The airline has not publicly confirmed the identities or nationalities of the pilots and has urged people to avoid premature speculation while authorities investigate.

Machchhar has around 15 years of flying experience and previously worked for Indian airline SpiceJet before joining Flydubai in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)