Netanyahu, Trump, Modi hail Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as hero after foiling mid-air attack

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, averted a potential mid-air disaster on 30 September when a religious extremist first officer attacked him with an axe aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The flight carried 174 passengers, mostly Israeli nationals.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's extraordinary bravery, saying he saved 174 lives including Israeli citizens. "He is a true hero," Netanyahu wrote on X, wishing him a speedy recovery. Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, noted that had Machchhar not opened the cockpit door, the plane could have crashed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the captain, saying India is proud of Machchhar's immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect others despite his serious injuries. His actions prevented a major tragedy.