'What A Hero': Israelis Hail Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Attack
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has been praised by Israelis after he helped respond to an attack on board a flydubai flight, with passengers describing his actions as an important part of efforts to bring the situation under control. Israeli social media has been flooded with messages of gratitude for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after his actions during a dramatic flydubai mid-air emergency were…
Captain Smit Machchhar, a veteran Boeing 737 pilot with Dubai-based flydubai, has been hailed as a hero following a frightening security incident on flight FZ1073. The incident occurred on September 30, 2023, when the aircraft was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar, who was in command of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying about 174 passengers and crew, was stabbed by the co-pilot during an altercation on the flight deck.
Despite his severe injuries, Machchhar activated the cockpit door release, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the alleged attacker. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it safely landed. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Machchhar a hero, crediting him with averting a potential disaster.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the captain and passengers for preventing a catastrophe.
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Also reported by 5 other outlets
- Who is Captain Smit Machchhar? Dubai-based flydubai pilot hailed as hero after cockpit attack gulfnews.com
- 'A True Hero': Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina And Other Sporting Personalities Praise Captain Smit Machchhar For His Bravery After Mid-Air Cockpit Attack freepressjournal.in
- Indian PM hails ‘hero’ flydubai pilot for averting disaster freemalaysiatoday.com
- Indian PM hails 'hero' Flydubai pilot for averting disaster lemonde.fr
- Who is Smit Machchhar? ‘Hero’ Indian pilot who thwarted flydubai flight crash attempt hindustantimes.com
