Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread praise after his actions during a dramatic mid-air emergency on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was seriously injured during an alleged cockpit attack but continued to resist and helped passengers and crew members regain access to the cockpit. The Boeing 737 flight, carrying 174 people, was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The incident has since drawn praise from leaders in India, Israel and the United States.
PM Modi Praises Smit Machchhar’s Courage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the emergency. In a post on X, Modi described the Indian pilot as a hero and said he showed determination to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of Captain Machchhar.
Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
The Prime Minister said Machchhar’s actions helped prevent a major tragedy and expressed pride in the pilot. He also wished him a speedy recovery and renewed strength as he continues to receive medical treatment.
Netanyahu Salutes Indian Pilot
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also publicly praised Machchhar, highlighting the pilot’s actions during the cockpit struggle. Netanyahu said that even after being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar resisted the attacker and managed to open the cockpit door.
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.
He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.
I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery.
He is a true hero.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2026
According to Netanyahu, this allowed passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the attacker, helping prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome. He called the Indian pilot a true hero and wished him a full recovery.
Donald Trump Calls Machchhar a Hero
US President Donald Trump also spoke about the incident and referred to Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero. Trump said he had discussed the incident with Netanyahu while commenting on the alleged attack aboard the Israel-bound flight.
Trump Praises Indian Pilot
“The co-pilot was kind of a terrorist… but the pilot turned out to be a hero.”
U.S. President Donald Trump praises Indian pilot Smit Machhar for his bravery and actions during the flight incident. pic.twitter.com/XSJlrEblaW— The Frustrated Indian (@FrustIndian) October 1, 2026
Trump’s remarks came as international attention grew around the actions of the pilot, passengers and crew members who helped bring the dangerous situation under control. He also noted that details surrounding the incident and the motive remained under investigation.
Jaishankar Highlights Pilot’s Presence of Mind
Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind, even in the face of grave danger, saved hundreds of lives yesterday and averted a major tragedy.
Join the countless voices from across the world in saluting his valour and praying for his speedy recovery.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 1, 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined the tributes, praising Machchhar’s courage and presence of mind during the emergency. He said the pilot’s actions, despite the serious danger he faced, helped save lives and avert a major tragedy. Jaishankar also extended his wishes for Machchhar’s recovery, adding his voice to the international recognition of the Indian pilot’s actions during the flight.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight?
The incident unfolded on flight FZ1073 while it was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. An altercation broke out in the cockpit and the aircraft experienced a sharp descent during the struggle. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by the co-pilot but continued to resist. He eventually opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft also helped regain control, after which the flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely. The suspect was arrested after landing, while investigations into the incident continue.
