Captain Smit Macchar has earned worldwide praise after facing an attack inside Flydubai flight FZ1073. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump praised his courage. Netanyahu said Macchar fought despite serious injuries and opened the cockpit door. Consequently, passengers and crew members could overpower the attacker. Israeli citizens and people from other countries travelled aboard the aircraft. On Wednesday, Flydubai flight FZ1073 travelled from Dubai towards Tel Aviv.
During the journey, the co-pilot attacked Macchar with a knife. Meanwhile, the aircraft suddenly dropped from nearly 34,000 feet to 17,000 feet. Later, the plane made an emergency landing at Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport. A total of 180 people travelled aboard the aircraft. Therefore, the incident created widespread concern around the world.
🚨 BIG: Indian Pilot & Passengers Helped Avert ‘Another 9/11,’ Says Netanyahu
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and the passengers who intervened after an alleged cockpit attack sent a flydubai flight into a dangerous descent. pic.twitter.com/1sQuKSBk5Q
— The Bharat Post (@TheBharatPost__) October 1, 2026
Netanyahu told Fox News about meeting an Israeli passenger who showed remarkable courage. He said passengers began praying after the aircraft rapidly descended. The group included 30 children who feared they might not survive. According to Netanyahu, the young passenger displayed extraordinary bravery during that moment.
Indian pilots also stepped forward and helped control the dangerous situation. Netanyahu said he spoke with President Trump, who praised the incident as well. He later told CBS News that Macchar and others prevented another 9/11-like event. Netanyahu also said the co-pilot attacked the Indian pilot with an axe.
Jaishankar, Murmu, Rijiju and Fadnavis praise the pilot
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar praised Captain Macchar’s courage and presence of mind. He said Macchar showed exceptional courage despite facing serious danger. According to Jaishankar, hundreds of people survived while a major tragedy remained avoided. He urged people worldwide to salute Macchar’s courage and wish him a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu said India feels proud of Captain Macchar. She praised his bravery and presence of mind during the crisis. Murmu highlighted his determination despite suffering severe injuries. She said Macchar remained focused on protecting other people.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also praised the Indian pilot. He said people worldwide were appreciating Macchar’s courage. Rijiju added that Indians can risk their own lives while protecting others. He said Macchar had shown the world what Indians can accomplish during danger.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also praised the pilot. Fadnavis called Macchar Mumbai’s son and a genuine hero. He said Macchar saved hundreds through remarkable courage and presence of mind. Fadnavis also praised his actions despite serious injuries during the Dubai-Tel Aviv journey.
PM Modi speaks with Macchar’s wife and parents
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Macchar’s wife and parents by phone. He praised the pilot’s bravery during the dangerous flight incident. Modi also stressed that Indian missions were providing every possible assistance. Meanwhile, SpiceJet praised Macchar for his courage and selfless actions. The airline said Macchar had worked with SpiceJet for more than ten years. SpiceJet described his bravery as an example of values the airline considers important. The airline also called Captain Macchar a hero.
Separately, Netanyahu met passenger Yaniv Hayun at Ben-Gurion International Airport. He praised Hayun and called him a hero during the meeting. Netanyahu also said Hayun deserved a Global Medal of Honor. Hayun had tried to enter the cockpit during the Dubai-to-Israel flight. His actions formed another part of the response during the aircraft emergency.
Overall, the incident brought praise for Macchar from leaders across several countries. His actions during the cockpit attack helped passengers and crew confront the attacker. Meanwhile, PM Modi assured his family that Indian missions were providing assistance.
