“Remember his name: Smit Machchhar.” That message spread across Israeli social media after a dramatic incident aboard a flydubai flight, with users posting videos to thank the Indian pilot and praise his actions during a cockpit attack.
Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit of a flydubai Boeing 737 MAX flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities said the captain’s actions helped prevent what could have been a major catastrophe involving more than 170 passengers.
As details of the incident emerged, Israeli users shared messages of gratitude for Machchhar, describing him as courageous and urging others to remember his name.
Israelis Salute Smit Machchhar
Israeli content creator Einav Avizemer posted a video thanking both Machchhar and India.
“I want to take this opportunity and thank the Indian pilot. What a hero,” she said, adding that without his actions, the incident “could end up in a whole different way”.
Israeli influencer Talia Yoseph also urged her followers to remember the captain’s name. She described Machchhar as a hero who continued fighting despite being severely wounded.
Social media influencer Nima Yamini, who has more than 5.39 lakh followers, also highlighted the pilot’s actions.
Yamini described the incident as a story of “courage, bravery, valor” and said Machchhar’s actions deserved recognition.
“We salute this Indian pilot. Thank you,” he said.
Israeli journalist Neria Kraus also praised the captain, explaining how Machchhar fought with the co-pilot and managed to open the cockpit door.
Pilot Injured During Cockpit Attack
According to Israeli authorities, the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft. The plane reportedly plunged thousands of metres before a reserve crew and passengers intervened and helped bring the aircraft under control.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the confrontation. The Indian embassy said it was monitoring his condition and remained in contact with his family.
The embassy said the captain was reported to be stable and expressed hope for his early recovery.
The incident drew widespread attention in India and Israel, with senior political leaders also praising the captain.
PM Modi Calls Machchhar A Hero
A day after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his actions during the cockpit attack.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero,” Modi said in a post on X, highlighting the captain’s courage despite being seriously injured.
The Prime Minister said Machchhar’s “valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy”. He also said that India was proud of the captain and prayed for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, saying the Indian captain had demonstrated “extraordinary bravery” and helped prevent a catastrophic disaster.
Trump Also Praises Indian Pilot
US President Donald Trump also praised Machchhar, calling him a hero who helped prevent the aircraft from crashing.
Trump said the captain took control of the aircraft and levelled it before it could crash. He also highlighted Machchhar’s presence of mind in opening the cockpit door despite being stabbed.
Trump described the co-pilot as a terrorist and said Machchhar’s actions were critical during the emergency.
“He took the stick and levelled out the plane before it could crash,” Trump said.
Smit Machchhar’s Flying Experience
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.
The captain’s actions during the incident have since drawn tributes from passengers, Israeli social media users and political leaders in India, Israel and the United States.
As Machchhar recovers from his injuries, the messages of support have continued to highlight his reported role in helping bring the aircraft under control and prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.
