In Mumbai, the Israel Consulate erected a billboard on October 2, 2026, emblazoned with a thank‑you message for Smit Machchhar, the flydubai captain credited with stopping a planned crash. The display, located on the busy Bandra‑Kurla Complex, read: "India has a new hero, and Israel will never forget his name: Captain Smit Machchhar!"
On Wednesday, flight FZ1073, a 174‑passenger airliner from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals and descended sharply—over 17,000 feet—from cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before any loss of life was recorded.
Video footage shows the pilot, blood‑streaked and wearing an oxygen mask, lying on his back in the galley after the emergency maneuver. An investigation has confirmed that a co‑pilot attempted to commandeer the aircraft, but Machchhar’s decisive action kept the plane on course.
Yaniv Revach tweeted the billboard image, adding: "Thank you Captain Smit for saving lives. We wish you a speedy recovery." The Israeli Foreign Ministry later issued a statement welcoming him to Tel Aviv and pledging support.
The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has launched a probe into the co‑pilot’s conduct, while Israeli authorities plan to hold a reception for Machchhar in Tel Aviv once he regains full health.
The incident underscores growing concerns about cockpit security and has prompted both India and Israel to review their aviation safety protocols. Meanwhile, local Indian media have amplified the story, framing it as a testament to cross‑border cooperation in crisis response.
It remains unclear whether the co‑pilot will be charged; police officials said the investigation will be thorough but will not disclose details until a verdict is reached.
As the world watches, the next step will be the formal award of heroism medals by the Israeli government and the co‑pilot’s formal sentencing if evidence warrants.
Passengers aboard the flight have expressed gratitude, with one mother tweeting, "My child is safe, thanks to a brave captain."
The incident, while initially a local headline, has now become a global case study in aviation emergency response.