By Paul Joseph
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised an Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, after he was reportedly stabbed by his copilot during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
Machchhar was reportedly attacked while the aircraft was carrying 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, prompting an emergency situation mid-air.
According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu described the Indian captain as a “true hero” for his actions during the incident and wished him a full recovery from his injuries.
Netanyahu said Machchhar continued to resist the attacker despite being stabbed and seriously injured, opened the cockpit door and helped create an opportunity for passengers and crew members to overpower the copilot.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said in a statement posted on X.
The Israeli Prime Minister said the pilot’s actions prevented what could have been a major mid-air disaster and saved the lives of the 174 people aboard the aircraft.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, while wishing Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
The incident occurred on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.
Reports cited by The Times of Israel also said the copilot was subdued after allegedly stabbing the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the motive of the copilot remain subject to investigation.
The incident has drawn attention to the actions of the Indian captain and the passengers and crew members who reportedly helped subdue the attacker.
Netanyahu’s comments came shortly after the incident as authorities continued to assess what happened aboard the aircraft.
The flight was carrying passengers from different nationalities, including Israelis, when the emergency unfolded.
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