PM Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump and Other Leaders Praise Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Averting Mid-Air Disaster

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero after the pilot’s actions helped avert a mid-air disaster on a Flydubai flight. The Indian captain was stabbed by his co-pilot during the journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September but still managed to resist and open the cockpit door.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier saluted Machchhar’s extraordinary bravery. He said the pilot’s efforts enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevented a catastrophic crash that would have claimed 174 lives, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. Who Is Smit Machchhar? Indian Pilot Fights Off Cockpit Attack, Saves Flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight FZ1073 From Crashing.

Captain Smit Machchhar Is a HERO, Says PM Narendra Modi

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu Praises Captain Smit Machchhar

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…

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2026

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

Flight FZ1073 was en route when the co-pilot, reported to be an Omani national, allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar and attempted to crash the aircraft. The Boeing 737 plunged around 14,000 feet in under a minute. Passengers and crew intervened after the cockpit door was opened. Two off-duty pilots on board then helped stabilise and land the plane at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. All on board survived. Machchhar underwent surgery and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Global Leaders Praise Captain Smit Machchhar

Netanyahu called Machchhar a true hero and wished him a full recovery. Modi said the captain showed immense courage despite being seriously injured and that his valour helped save hundreds of lives. India is proud of him, the prime minister added, while praying for his speedy recovery.

US President Donald Trump also described the Indian pilot as a hero. Speaking to reporters after discussing the incident with Netanyahu, Trump noted that Machchhar was in very bad shape but still had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door and call for help. Kolkata: Class 9 Student Attacks Classmate With Knife Over Book Dispute, Teacher Was Present.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Israel also publicly praised the captain’s composure and devotion to duty under extreme pressure. Machchhar, originally from Mumbai and of Gujarati origin, joined Flydubai as a captain in 2022 after more than a decade with SpiceJet. He has extensive experience on Boeing 737 aircraft. Investigations into the incident continue in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.