Israel Honors Indian Flight Captain Machchhar as Hero After Defending FlyDubai Aircraft

• Captain Machchhar prevented a disaster on a Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai flight
• The pilot is invited to participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May

TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday, invited Indian airline Flying Dubai Captain Smit Machchhar as a distinguished guest of honour after the pilot described saving his aircraft from a recent terrorist assault.

Netanyahu stated that both Captain Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – pivotal diplomatic partners – were slated to light the ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day festivities next May, an honor traditionally bestowed upon Israeli citizens alone.

«You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and a hero of the world», Netanyahu declared in a video release of his phone conversation with the injured captain.

UAE investigators have concluded that the co‑pilot orchestrated the attack by using an axe to strike Machchhar.

“When I remember how it happened, I am not entirely certain because of my injuries,” Machchhar explained. While respecting a prayer request – the co‑pilot had asked to pause five times today – he focused on the front of the cabin. Soon after a series of blows struck the rear, he realized the threat originated from another person in the cockpit. I tried to force open the door”, the captain recounted, adding that he believed the attacker had already secured it. With what remained of his strength, he launched a desperate push, smashing the door and escaping as emergency teams arrived.

His recollection, though fragmented by trauma, affirmed that a final burst of courage enabled the aircraft to be saved.

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