**Netanyahu Praises Indian Pilot for Heroism During Flydubai Flight Incident**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly commended the bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, which occurred on September 30, 2026, forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, ensuring the safety of all 174 passengers and crew on board.
In a statement shared on his official social media account, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Captain Machchhar for his extraordinary actions during the crisis. Despite suffering serious injuries from the stabbing, Machchhar was able to fight back against the attacker, open the cockpit door, and allow passengers and crew members to subdue the co-pilot. Netanyahu emphasized that Machchhar's quick thinking and bravery prevented what could have been a catastrophic mid-air disaster.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu wrote. He further noted that Machchhar's actions saved the lives of individuals from various nationalities, including Israeli citizens. The Prime Minister wished the pilot a speedy and full recovery, labeling him a "true hero" for his courage in the face of danger.
The co-pilot, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested following the emergency landing. The circumstances surrounding the attack suggest an attempt to take control of the aircraft, although specific details regarding the motives or background of the co-pilot remain unclear.
The Flydubai flight, designated FZ1073, issued an emergency alert shortly after takeoff from Dubai early in the morning. According to reports, the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport, where all passengers were accounted for. Following the incident, Flydubai arranged a rescue flight to transport the passengers to their final destination at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport.
Upon their arrival in Tel Aviv, the passengers were greeted by Netanyahu, who was present to welcome them. This gesture, however, drew criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who described the Prime Minister's actions as “cheap politics” in light of the upcoming elections.
The incident has garnered significant media attention, highlighting not only the heroism of Captain Machchhar but also the broader implications of aviation security and the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats. As investigations continue into the motives behind the attack, the focus remains on the safe return of the passengers and the recovery of the injured pilot.