"Extraordinary Bravery": Netanyahu "Salutes" Indian Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery in thwarting a mid-air sabotage attempt on a flight. The pilot, despite being stabbed, managed to help passengers and crew neutralize the attacker.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a significant act of individual heroism that prevented a potential aviation disaster, drawing international recognition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian pilot who fought off the co-pilot who allegedly tried to sabotage the plane's systems, saving the lives of as many as 180 passengers on board the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.In a post on X, Netanyahu said, "My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery".He said that even though he was stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door which helped passengers and other crew members attack the perpetrator.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...
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Israel-bound commercial plane from Dubai diverted to Saudi Arabia after distress call
A flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv dropped 17,000 feet, then sent a hijack warning. Here's what we know.
Israel-bound flight diverted after fight between pilots
A flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverts to Saudi Arabia after making distress call
Flydubai flight to Israel diverted to Saudi Arabia after emergency alert
Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
bound flydubai flight diverted after suspected fight between pilots
UAE confirms Netanyahu’s secret visit; Iran dominated six-hour talks
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in