FlyDubai hijacking: Benjamin Netanyahu praises stabbed pilot Smit Machchhar for ‘extraordinary bravery’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised a wounded pilot and passengers aboard a FlyDubai flight for their bravery after a violent confrontation in the cockpit forced an aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

FlyDubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, issued a distress signal shortly after take-off on Wednesday after a sudden change in direction and descent. A subsequent alert briefly indicated a possible hijacking.

One of the pilot’s, named by Mr Netanyahu as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him inside the cockpit.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Machchhar fought back despite his injuries and opened the locked cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the alleged attacker.

“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Mr Netanyahu wrote in a statement posted on X.

“Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.”

Mr Netanyahu hailed the “hero” captain for his act of “bravery” that prevented the incident evolving into a catastrophe.

“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Mr Netanyahu continued.

“I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero.”

The plane was diverted under Israeli fighter jet escorts to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia as it descended to a lower altitude before landing with everyone on board safe.

Upon landing, Mr Machchhar and the accused co-pilot were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment for their injuries.

According to India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, the full extent of Mr Machchhar’s injuries is unclear, but he remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah have been following the health condition of Mr Smit Machchhar, the brave Indian pilot of Flydubai flight that was diverted to Tabuk today.” the embassy wrote on X.

“He is admitted in a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and receiving necessary medical attention.

“A full update on his health is awaited but he is reported to be in stable condition. We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest.

“We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his wellbeing.”

The co-pilot has been arrested and is under investigation by Saudi authorities. Mental health issues are also being pursued in the investigation.

After boarding a replacement aircraft from Saudi Arabia, passengers later arrived safely at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport to a crowd of people celebrating their safe return.

There, Mr Netanyahu met Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun who “broke into the cockpit” during the mid-air incident.

“You are a hero. You deserve a global medal of honor,” Mr Netanyahu said of Mr Hayun on X, alongside a photo of the pair at the airport.

Another passenger, Zvika Meness, told Israeli public broadcaster Kan News that he and other passengers tied the attacker up “with his own zip ties and with the multimedia headphones”.

“There are children and families here who have been through a very severe, highly traumatic event,” he added.

Speaking later on Wednesday, Mr Netanyahu labelled the attack “a very serious security incident”.

He added Israeli security forces are “maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety of the passengers”.

“I salute these heroes who demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness and courage,” he added. “They saved many lives and prevented a major disaster.”

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has called the incident an “attempted jihadist terror attack”.

In statement cited by Al Jazeera, a FlyDubai spokesperson said the motive behind the attack is unclear as investigations are ongoing.

“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation,” they said.

“We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts.”