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The Indian embassy said it was monitoring Machchhar’s condition and remained in contact with his family.
Smit Machchhar appeared on the podcast last year. (Image: Instagram/@cszalakmehta)
Israeli social media has been flooded with messages of gratitude for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after his actions during a dramatic flydubai mid-air emergency were credited with helping prevent a catastrophe involving more than 170 passengers.
Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit of a Boeing 737 MAX flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. As details of the incident emerged, Israelis shared tribute videos thanking the captain and urging others to remember his name.
As more details emerged about the incident and Machchhar’s efforts to help regain control of the aircraft, tributes began appearing online. Several Israeli users shared videos thanking the captain and urging others to remember his name.
Israeli content creator Einav Avizemer posted a video expressing gratitude to Machchhar and India.
“I want to take this opportunity and thank the Indian pilot. What a hero,” she said, adding that without his actions, “it could end up in a whole different way”.
Israeli influencer Talia Yoseph also appealed to her followers to remember the Indian captain.
“I want every single one of you to know the name Smit Machchhar,” she said, describing him as a hero who continued fighting despite being severely wounded.
Israeli journalist Neria Kraus also highlighted Machchhar’s role in the incident, explaining how he managed to open the cockpit door while confronting the co-pilot.
“The pilot, he was such a hero… he was fighting the co-pilot who was stabbing him. He managed to open the door,” the journalist said.
Israeli authorities said the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft. The plane plunged thousands of metres before a reserve crew and passengers intervened and brought it under control, eventually landing safely.
The Indian embassy said it was monitoring Machchhar’s condition and remained in contact with his family. It said the pilot was reported to be stable and expressed hope for his early recovery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, saying the Indian captain showed “extraordinary bravery” and helped prevent a catastrophic disaster.
US President Donald Trump also praised Machchhar, calling him a hero who helped prevent the aircraft from crashing.
“He took the stick and levelled out the plane before it could crash,” Trump said, adding that Machchhar, despite being stabbed, had the presence of mind to open the cockpit door.
Trump described the co-pilot as a terrorist who had stabbed Machchhar and praised the injured pilot for opening the cockpit door.
“A terrorist… he stabbed the pilot… the pilot in bad shape had the sense to, amazing, a hero, to open the door!” Trump said.
Machchhar joined flydubai in 2022 after previously working with SpiceJet. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has around 9,750 flying hours on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit of a Boeing 737 MAX. Despite his severe wounds, Machchhar fought back, helped regain control of the aircraft, and managed to open the cockpit door before a reserve crew and passengers intervened.
Ask News18About the Author
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
October 01, 2026, 08:50 IST
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