Netanyahu Honors Pilot After Mid-Air Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the captain of a Flydubai flight for his heroism following an incident where his co-pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu honored Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar on October 3, commending his bravery during a severe mid-air incident. The flight, en route with 174 passengers, experienced a near-catastrophic descent of nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed and repeatedly assaulted Captain Machchhar within the cockpit.
Following the attack, the bloodied captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers, crew, and a backup flight crew to subdue the assailant. The aircraft was subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
In recognition of his actions, Prime Minister Netanyahu invited Captain Machchhar to participate in lighting a celebratory flame on Israel's Independence Day, a significant honor traditionally reserved for Israeli citizens. The incident has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot's alleged actions, with consideration given to potential external influences, though no specific perpetrators have been officially named.