Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar by telephone and praised his courage during the September 30 emergency aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar was seriously injured after being attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Netanyahu spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar following the September 30 cockpit attack.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the incident.
He managed to open the cockpit door, enabling others to intervene.
Netanyahu praised him for his courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
Netanyahu invited Machchhar and PM Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial flame at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations next year.
During the conversation, Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero of India, Israel and the world and wished him a speedy recovery.
Netanyahu also invited Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial flame at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations next year.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The invitation is a significant recognition of Machchhar’s actions during a serious aviation emergency and highlights the appreciation expressed by Israel’s Prime Minister.


