On September 30, flydubai Flight FZ1073 suffered an axe attack by an Omani co‑pilot, forcing a 17,000‑foot descent before a hijack distress call was transmitted.
Captain Smit Machchhar wrestled the assailant into the cockpit and maintained control, allowing cabin crew to secure passengers before the aircraft landed safely; flight data recorded a sudden loss of altitude within two minutes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking by phone on Saturday, called Machchhar a hero for Israel, India and the entire world, praising his courage and resilience.
He extended an invitation for Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony on October 3, underscoring bilateral ties.
The pilot will carry the torch during the ceremony, symbolizing resilience and cooperation between Israel and India.