Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Israel to Honour Captain Smit for Mid-Air Emergency Bravery
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a flydubai plane when a serious emergency happened in the air.
He was badly injured but reportedly used his remaining strength to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped overpower the copilot.
Two other flydubai pilots who were on the plane landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s envoy said Captain Smit acted like a hero.
Israel plans to find a way to recognize his bravery.
Captain Smit is receiving treatment in a Saudi hospital and is reported to be stable.
Saudi authorities are investigating what happened.
Israeli envoy Reuven Azar said Israel will find a way to honour Captain Smit Machchhar.
The Indian pilot reportedly opened the cockpit door despite serious injuries and heavy blood loss.
Passengers and crew then overpowered the copilot, allowing two other flydubai pilots to land the aircraft in Tabuk.
Captain Smit is in stable condition at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, according to Indian officials.
Saudi authorities are investigating the incident while Indian diplomats monitor the pilot’s recovery and support his family.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers, crew members, two additional flydubai pilots, and the copilot were involved; Israeli envoy Reuven Azar announced plans to recognize the captain.
- What
- During a mid-air emergency, the injured captain opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the copilot and allowing other pilots to land the aircraft.
- When
- The exact date of the incident was not stated in the article.
- Where
- The aircraft landed in Tabuk, in northwest Saudi Arabia; Captain Smit is being treated there.
- Why
- Israel plans to honour Captain Smit because his actions reportedly helped save passengers and crew members.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Recognition
- Israel said it will find a way to honour him
- Pilot’s condition
- Reportedly stable after hospital treatment
- Hospital location
- Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia
- Landing
- The aircraft landed in Tabuk with help from two additional flydubai pilots
- Investigation
- Saudi authorities are investigating the incident
- Diplomatic support
- The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General of India in Jeddah are monitoring his health