Israeli PM Honors Hero Pilot After Flight Hijacking Attempt

Israeli PM Netanyahu honors pilot who thwarted hijacking attempt, preventing disaster on FlyDubai flight. Passengers recount chaos and bravery.

Editorial Desk

October 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised an Indian pilot for his courage during a dramatic in-flight crisis that unfolded on a commercial flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The incident involved a pilot who was stabbed by a co-pilot during the flight, sparking fears of a potential hijacking. The plane plummeted nearly 13,000 feet in under 30 seconds before passengers and crew intervened, ultimately bringing the aircraft to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia.

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Netanyahu honored Captain Smit Machchhar, the injured pilot, calling him a “true hero” for his actions. In a post on X, the prime minister highlighted how Machchhar, despite being seriously wounded, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to subdue the attacker and prevent a catastrophe. Passengers described chaotic scenes, with one recalling how he put the assailant in a chokehold and helped stabilize the aircraft.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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