Netanyahu hails Indian pilot after stabbing aboard Israel-bound Flydubai flight

Crime Diary, International, Middle East

JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, after the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu, in a statement on Wednesday, hailed Machchhar’s bravery, saying the captain managed to fight back and open the cockpit door despite being seriously injured, enabling passengers and crew members to overpower the attacker.

“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.

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“Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.”

Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions helped save the lives of the 174 people on board, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, and wished him a speedy recovery.

“He is a true hero,” the Israeli prime minister said.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft reportedly entered a sharp descent after a confrontation in the cockpit before passengers and crew intervened. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, where both pilots received medical treatment.

The co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, has been arrested. Israeli authorities have described the incident as a possible terrorist attack, while the motive remains under investigation and authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investigating the circumstances.

Netanyahu also praised passenger Yonatan Haim, who was among those who entered the cockpit and helped subdue the attacker.

Machchhar remains in hospital in Tabuk after sustaining serious injuries in the cockpit attack. Reports say he underwent surgery and is in stable condition.

Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations continue and has urged against premature speculation about the incident.