'I gave everything that I had': Flydubai captain tells Netanyahu about co-pilot's hijacking attempt
The prime minister thanked Machchhar for his "remarkable" actions, saying that he "saved the spirit of the world."
Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had given his all to open the cockpit door during an attempted hijacking by his Omani co-pilot. On October 3, 2026, Machchhar recounted the harrowing experience, stating that he had used the last of his strength to push the door open. During the incident, the co-pilot struck him on the back of the head, and Machchhar feared the worst, believing the aircraft had been damaged.
However, as the blows continued, he realized the attack was coming from the co-pilot, not the aircraft. Despite Machchhar's efforts, the co-pilot kept slamming the door shut. Ultimately, Machchhar managed to open the door and managed to escape the ordeal. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Machchhar's courage and coolness under pressure, inviting him to light a torch alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Israel's next Independence Day celebration.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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