Our Bureau
New Delhi
Israel will honor Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during a mid-air emergency aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on Thursday. Azar described Machchhar as a “great hero” and said Israel would find a way to formally recognise his actions, which helped avert a potential disaster and save the lives of people aboard the aircraft.
Machchhar was flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when he was attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. The aircraft, carrying 174 people, subsequently went into a steep descent, prompting passengers and crew to intervene.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun and others helped overpower the attacker, while another crew travelling on the flight assisted in stabilising the aircraft. The plane was eventually diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Azar said Machchhar’s courage had resonated across Israel, with the country’s leadership and public taking note of his actions. He said Israel does not forget people who stand with them during times of crisis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar, crediting the captain’s actions with helping prevent a catastrophic mid-air incident. Israeli authorities have also recognised the contribution of passengers who helped bring the situation under control.