Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commended Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his “extraordinary bravery” after the Dubai-based pilot helped prevent a potential disaster aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, following an altercation between the two pilots in the cockpit in which the other pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft.
He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. The flight initially transmitted squawk code 7700, an international emergency signal, before switching to code 7500, which indicates a hijacking or unlawful interference, according to flight-tracking data cited by The Times of Israel. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that Machchhar is receiving medical treatment and said Indian authorities are closely monitoring his recovery.
He said the pilot’s courage ensured the survival of everyone on board, including several Israeli citizens. The aircraft, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after transmitting an emergency code, according to The Times of Israel. Netanyahu has ordered a “ramp-up” in security measures for both Israeli and non-Israeli aircraft, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson.
In a statement shared on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s resilience and presence of mind during the life-threatening incident. “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. 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. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero,” Netanyahu posted.
