Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Netanyahu Expected to Speak With Pilot Who Helped Save Flydubai Flight
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying on a Flydubai plane when his co-pilot stabbed him.
During the incident, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, which was credited with helping save the flight.
He is now recovering in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him by video call and praised his bravery.
Machchhar told Modi that he had recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the incident.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan also visited him and praised how he acted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with Machchhar soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.
Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during a mid-air incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073.
He opened the cockpit door, an action credited with helping save the flight.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar during a video call and said the country was praying for him.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed visited Machchhar in a UAE hospital and praised his courage.
- Who
- Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
- What
- Machchhar is recovering after being stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight; he opened the cockpit door in an action credited with helping save the flight.
- When
- The cockpit incident occurred during Flydubai flight FZ1073; Netanyahu is expected to speak with Machchhar shortly, and Sheikh Hamdan visited him today.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073; Machchhar is recovering in a hospital in the UAE.
- Why
- Modi and Sheikh Hamdan praised Machchhar for his courage and actions during the mid-air incident; Netanyahu is also expected to speak with him.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Incident
- Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight
- Credited action
- Machchhar opened the cockpit door, which was credited with helping save the flight
- Recovery
- Machchhar is recovering in a UAE hospital
- Calls and visit
- Modi spoke with him by video call; Sheikh Hamdan visited him in hospital; Netanyahu is expected to speak with him