{
  "id": 11752829,
  "title": "Netanyahu invites Indian pilot who saved flydubai flight to Israel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahu-invites-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-to-israel",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T19:16:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/03/netanyahu-invites-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-to-israel/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended a warm invitation to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who valiantly thwarted an alleged terrorist act on a flydubai flight, for a visit to Israel. The distinguished gesture came about following a telephone conversation between Netanyahu and Machchhar, during which the Prime Minister hailed the pilot as a hero not only of India and Israel but of the entire world. In a video statement released by Netanyahu's office, the Israeli leader described Machchhar's actions as heroic, emphasizing the bravery demonstrated by the pilot in the face of a potential threat to the flight’s safety.\n\nThe incident in question unfolded on Wednesday when the UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, presented preliminary findings from an investigation into the matter. According to Shamsi, the co-pilot of the flydubai flight had allegedly attempted to carry out a \"terrorist act\" by wielding the emergency axe in the cockpit to subdue the captain and seize control of the aircraft. The Attorney General's statement, as reported by WAM, the official UAE news agency, corroborated the gravity of the situation, highlighting the co-pilot's actions as a direct threat to the well-being of all passengers on board.\n\nFollowing the revelation of these findings, the Israeli-Israeli-bound flight was promptly diverted, underscoring the seriousness of the reported incident and the swift response of aviation authorities. This development has not only brought attention to the courage of Captain Machchhar but also to the rigorous safety protocols and investigations that are integral to maintaining the integrity of air travel. Netanyahu's invitation to Machchhar epitomizes the spirit of global solidarity and highlights the shared values and appreciation between nations that have been touched by such extraordinary acts of heroism.",
  "summary": "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited the Indian captain of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv to visit Israel as his guest of honour after reportedly saving the aircraft following an attack in the cockpit. Netanyahu extended the invitation to Captain Smit Machchhar during a telephone conversation, describing him as a hero of […] Netanyahu invites Indian pilot who saved flydubai…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "‘Proud he is part of our nation's story’: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar's courage",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/proud-he-is-part-of-our-nations-story-dubai-crown-prince-praises",
        "published": "2026-10-03T15:37:24.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "‘Utmost respect, awe’: US official praises Smit Machcchar, others who thwarted flydubai ‘crash bid’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/utmost-respect-awe-us-official-praises-smit-machcchar-others-who",
        "published": "2026-10-03T16:59:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Netanyahu's surprising invitation to the Indian pilot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/netanyahus-surprising-invitation-to-the-indian-pilot",
        "published": "2026-10-03T18:02:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar tells Netanyahu what happened inside cockpit: ‘Big blow to my head’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-tells-netanyahu-what-happened-inside",
        "published": "2026-10-03T20:49:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}