Brief
Netanyahu invites injured flydubai captain to Israel as guest of honour
The Indian captain, injured in a cockpit altercation on Sep 30, was praised by Netanyahu and offered a role in the Independence Day ceremony.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, to Israel as a guest of honour after the captain helped avert a mid‑air crisis on 30 September.
What happened
Flight FZ1073, bound for Tel Aviv, was carrying 174 people when an alleged attack by the co‑pilot occurred in the cockpit. Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene. The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
What the reports add
Gulf News noted that the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said Machchhar had returned to the UAE, was in good condition and receiving medical treatment. The report also mentioned that Netanyahu wants Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May, a role usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
What was said
Netanyahu said in a video released by his office, "You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and you are a hero of the entire world."
Key facts
- Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after a cockpit altercation on 30 September 2026. (gulfnews.com)
- Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured but helped control the situation and open the cockpit door. (gulfnews.com)
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Machchhar to Israel as a guest of honour. (gulfnews.com)
- Netanyahu said Machchhar and Indian PM Narendra Modi could light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Israeli PM Netanyahu Invites Heroic flydubai Pilot to Israel After Mid-Air Crisis”
