Israeli Prime Minister says pilot’s actions helped prevent a potential mid-air catastrophe and save passengers and crew
New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for what he described as “extraordinary bravery” during an emergency aboard a flydubai flight, saying the pilot’s actions helped prevent a potential mid-air catastrophe and protect passengers and crew.
In a statement shared by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X, Netanyahu paid tribute to Machchhar, who was allegedly attacked and seriously injured during the incident but continued to act to safeguard those on board.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident. Despite his injuries, he reportedly resisted the attacker, fought back and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the alleged assailant.
Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions played a crucial role in preventing the situation from escalating into a major aviation disaster.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, while wishing Machchhar a “speedy and full recovery” and describing him as “a true hero”.
The incident has attracted international attention, with senior Israeli officials joining the expressions of appreciation for the Indian pilot and others who helped respond to the emergency.
Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Reuven Azar, also praised Machchhar and the passengers and crew members who assisted during the incident. 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 also highlighted the role of Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, saying their actions, together with those of the pilot, helped protect everyone aboard the aircraft.
“His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,” the diplomat said.
He concluded his message with a call for collective opposition to terrorism, stating: “United against terrorism.”
The statements from the Israeli Prime Minister and ambassador have brought further attention to the events surrounding flydubai flight FZ1073 and the role reportedly played by Machchhar during the emergency.
Netanyahu's remarks focused on the pilot’s efforts to maintain control of the situation despite sustaining serious injuries, while Azar emphasised the combined response of the pilot, passengers and crew.
The incident has also drawn attention because Israeli nationals were among the passengers whose lives were said to have been protected during the emergency.
As Machchhar continues to receive medical treatment, tributes have continued to emerge in response to his reported actions. Israeli officials have credited the Indian pilot and others aboard the aircraft with helping prevent a potentially far more serious outcome.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the sequence of events aboard the flight remain subject to investigation. The statements by Israeli leaders, however, underscore the significance they have attached to Machchhar’s reported conduct during the emergency.
The incident has also highlighted the critical role pilots and crew members can play during in-flight emergencies, particularly when immediate decisions are required to protect passengers and maintain the safety of an aircraft.
