Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who saved 174 aboard flydubai jet
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for saving passengers after he was stabbed by his colleague in an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai plane on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for saving 174 passengers on a flydubai flight after his co-pilot attempted to crash the aircraft. The passengers, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after Machchhar opened the cockpit door and thwarted the co-pilot's plan.
The incident occurred when the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar, causing the jet to plummet nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. Machchhar, a pilot from Mumbai, underwent surgery for his injuries and is currently receiving medical care in Saudi Arabia, according to Indian authorities. Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel following the incident while an investigation took place.
Netanyahu stated that the event was a severe security incident and warned against premature speculation.
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