Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his 'extraordinary bravery' after the pilot was allegedly stabbed and seriously wounded aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, yet continued to act decisively to protect all 174 to 180 people on board. The tributes, posted on 1 October 2026, highlight the growing international recognition of Captain Machchhar's actions in averting what Netanyahu described as a potential aviation disaster.

What Netanyahu Said

In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on social media platform X, Netanyahu described Captain Machchhar as 'a true hero' and expressed his personal admiration. 'My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,' Netanyahu said in the post. The Israeli Prime Minister stated that the pilot saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and nationals of other countries, and wished him a 'speedy and full recovery.'

How Captain Machchhar Foiled the Attack

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's account, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded during the incident mid-flight. Despite his injuries, he reportedly fought back, resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant. Netanyahu credited these actions with preventing what he described as a far more serious tragedy aboard the aircraft.

Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus Also Pays Tribute

Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus, separately posted his own tribute on X, calling Captain Machchhar 'an experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot.' 'Together with nations, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073,' Azar wrote. The ambassador stated that the combined courage of the pilot, along with Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members, ultimately saved 180 souls on board. He concluded his message with a call for collective resolve: 'United against terrorism.'

International Recognition and What Comes Next

The back-to-back statements from senior Israeli leaders underscore the significant international attention that the flydubai FZ1073 incident has generated. The presence of Israeli citizens among those on board appears to have deepened Israel's personal stake in acknowledging the pilot's courage. As Captain Machchhar continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries, messages of support from multiple countries have been reported. The incident raises renewed questions about mid-air security protocols and the preparedness of flight crews to respond to onboard threats, a conversation that is likely to intensify in aviation and security circles in the coming days.