Netanyahu Hails Indian Pilot’s Bravery After Stabbing Incident on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the actions of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during a Flydubai flight but helped prevent a potential disaster.

The incident occurred on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday morning. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft transmitted an emergency alert and made an unscheduled landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. All passengers were reported safe.

According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar in an alleged attempt to take control of the aircraft. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain fought back, resisted the attack and opened the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and avert a catastrophic mid-air incident.

Netanyahu described Machchhar’s actions as “extraordinary bravery,” stating that he saved the lives of 174 people on board, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. He wished the pilot a speedy and full recovery and called him “a true hero.” The co-pilot, whose identity has not been released, was arrested after the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.

A subsequent Flydubai rescue flight carried the passengers from Tabuk to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport. Netanyahu was present to receive them upon arrival. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the reception as “cheap politics” in the period leading up to this month’s elections.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737 Max 8. Investigations into the events on board are continuing.