Netanyahu praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as ‘true hero’ after alleged mid-air attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for what he described as “extraordinary bravery” in foiling a potentially catastrophic mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight.

In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on X, Netanyahu said Machchhar continued to protect passengers and crew despite being seriously injured in the incident.

“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.

According to Netanyahu, Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident but fought back against the attacker, resisted the assault and opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the alleged assailant.

The Israeli Prime Minister said the pilot’s actions prevented a major aviation disaster and credited him with saving the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.

Wishing Machchhar a “speedy and full recovery”, Netanyahu described him as “a true hero”.

The remarks came amid international attention over the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 and the actions of the Indian pilot during the emergency.

Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also paid tribute to Machchhar and the passengers and crew members who helped neutralise the threat.

In a post on X, Azar said he was praying for the pilot’s recovery and described him as an experienced and gifted aviator.

“Together with nations, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073,” Azar wrote.

Azar said the courage displayed by Machchhar, along with that of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, helped save those aboard the aircraft.

“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” he said.

The Israeli diplomat also called for unity against terrorism, writing: “United against terrorism.”

The statements from the two Israeli officials have brought further attention to Machchhar’s role in the incident and the collective efforts of those aboard the aircraft to contain the threat.

Machchhar is continuing to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the incident, while messages of support and appreciation have been shared from different countries.