Netanyahu Calls Smit Machchhar a Hero and Invites Him to Israel Independence Day

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during the mid-air crisis aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight and invited him to Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar:
"You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister @NarendraModi and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day."… pic.twitter.com/e9nSJQ6TRj

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 3, 2026

During an emotional conversation with Machchhar on Saturday, Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as “a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world.” He also invited Captain Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the traditional Independence Day ceremony by lighting a torch.

The conversation came days after Flydubai Flight FZ1073 faced a terrifying emergency while travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Captain Machchhar was attacked in the cockpit and sustained serious injuries. Despite being wounded, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and help regain control of the situation. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, and Machchhar's actions were credited with helping prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome. Israeli officials and Prime Minister Netanyahu have publicly praised his courage.

During the emotional conversation, Netanyahu asked Machchhar how the incident began and what happened inside the cockpit. The pilot has previously described the terrifying moments, explaining that despite suffering multiple injuries, he realised he had to get back up and act because the aircraft was going down.

Machchhar had also spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi. In that conversation, he described how he fought through his injuries and managed to open the cockpit door, enabling others to enter and help subdue the attacker.

Netanyahu’s latest gesture has added an international dimension to the recognition of the Indian pilot, with the Israeli Prime Minister proposing that Machchhar and Modi participate in next year's Independence Day ceremony. The proposed torch-lighting invitation remains subject to Israel's established selection and approval process.