New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel after praising his extraordinary courage during a terrifying mid-air cockpit attack. Netanyahu also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join Machchhar at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May, where the two are expected to light a ceremonial torch.
Netanyahu made the invitation during a telephone conversation with the 38-year-old pilot, who is currently recovering at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. The Israeli Prime Minister described Machchhar as a “true hero” of India, Israel and the entire world, and praised his ability to remain composed under extremely difficult circumstances.
Netanyahu praises Machchhar’s courage
During the conversation, Netanyahu told Machchhar that he was amazed by his courage and his ability to make critical decisions under what he described as impossible conditions.
The Israeli Prime Minister said the torch-lighting ceremony represents one of the highest honours given during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. Although the honour is generally reserved for Israeli citizens, Netanyahu said Machchhar would be embraced by the people of Israel.
The invitation comes days after Machchhar played a crucial role in preventing a potentially catastrophic incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers when the Indian captain was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot. The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency signals and went through a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of about 34,000 feet. It eventually made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
Captain recounts terrifying cockpit attack
Speaking to Netanyahu, Machchhar recalled how the incident began. According to his account, the co-pilot had asked to take time to pray. Machchhar said he respected the request and continued looking ahead rather than turning towards his colleague.
Around four to five minutes later, Machchhar said he felt a heavy blow to the back of his head. Initially, he believed that the aircraft itself had suffered catastrophic damage.
However, as the blows continued, he realised that he was being attacked by the co-pilot. The assault left him severely injured, while the aircraft was simultaneously in a dangerous situation.
Machchhar said his memory of the incident was not completely clear because of his injuries. He nevertheless remembered attempting to open the cockpit door. The co-pilot apparently managed to close it again, forcing the injured captain to make another attempt.
Machchhar told Netanyahu that he knew he had to make one final effort. Despite his injuries, he pushed against the door with all the strength he had and succeeded in opening it.
Passengers and crew members waiting outside the cockpit were then able to intervene and overpower the attacker. Reserve pilots on board subsequently took control and helped bring the aircraft to safety in Saudi Arabia.
UAE calls incident a terrorist attack
The incident has since taken on an even more serious dimension after the UAE Attorney General described it as a terrorist attack.
According to UAE authorities, the co-pilot had planned the assault, attacked Machchhar with a crash axe kept inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The co-pilot has been identified by reports as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
Reports have also raised questions about the co-pilot’s previous aviation record and recruitment. The Associated Press reported that Oman had previously barred al-Hammami from flying over concerns related to extremist views. He was later employed by Flydubai, with questions now being raised about the extent of background checks and vetting carried out before his employment.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, including questions about the motive behind the attack and how the co-pilot was able to operate on the Israel-bound flight.
PM Modi and UAE leadership praise Indian pilot
Machchhar has received praise from political leaders in India and the United Arab Emirates for his actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar through a video call on Friday and praised the captain for making crucial decisions within seconds. Modi said Machchhar’s actions had saved the lives of numerous people aboard the aircraft and wished him a speedy recovery.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum also visited Machchhar at the hospital in Abu Dhabi. He conveyed the UAE leadership’s appreciation for the captain’s actions and praised his courage, responsibility and concern for human life.
Machchhar had initially received medical treatment in Tabuk following the emergency landing before being transferred to Abu Dhabi. He has been reported to be in stable condition.
A hero recognised across borders
The recognition from Netanyahu adds another international honour to the growing appreciation for Machchhar’s actions. From the moment the aircraft came under threat, the captain’s ability to fight through serious injuries and open the cockpit door proved critical in allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
The incident could have resulted in a far greater tragedy had Machchhar been unable to regain access to the cockpit. His actions, combined with the intervention of passengers, crew and reserve pilots, helped ensure that all those aboard the aircraft survived.
Netanyahu’s invitation for Machchhar and Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony therefore carries symbolic significance. It recognises not only the Indian pilot’s personal bravery but also the cooperation and solidarity demonstrated by people who responded during an unfolding aviation emergency.
For Machchhar, who remains under medical care, the invitation is likely to be remembered as an extraordinary recognition of his courage. His actions aboard the Flydubai flight have already made him a symbol of quick thinking and determination in the face of extreme danger.