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3 clusters · 23 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Recognition of pilot Smit Machchhar after cockpit attack

Overview

Following a violent cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received international recognition for his actions. During the incident, the co-pilot, an Omani national identified as Hamam al-Hammami, launched an attack on Machchhar. Despite sustaining serious head injuries, Machchhar repeatedly opened the cockpit door to allow passengers to enter and subdue the assailant, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers, including 27 children, reached Israel safely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Machchhar as a “true hero” of India, Israel, and the world. In a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Netanyahu invited Modi to join Machchhar in lighting the ceremonial torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations in May 2027. During the call, both leaders discussed the momentum of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and recent developments in West Asia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional stability. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism “on the ground and in the air.”

Additionally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has extended an invitation to Machchhar and offered him a presidential award for his heroism. Machchhar is currently undergoing medical treatment in an Emirati hospital.

Entities

Narendra Modi · Smit Machhar · Benjamin Netanyahu · Flydubai · Smit Machchhar

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Netanyahu invites PM Modi to Israel’s Independence Day celebrations

    Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu invited PM Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently foiled a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Benjamin Netanyahu invites pilot Smit Machchhar to Israel Independence Day

    Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu invited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and PM Narendra Modi to light Israel’s Independence Day flame following Machchhar’s heroic defense against a co-pilot attack on a Flydubai jet.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    India opposition criticizes Election Commission as PM Modi praises pilot Smit Machhar

    Opposition leaders in India criticized the Election Commission for alleged bias, while Prime Minister Modi praised pilot Smit Machhar for his heroic actions in saving passengers during a flight incident.

Sources

aajtak.com · bhaskarhindi.com · deccanchronicle.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · europesays.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · hindimilap.com · ibc24.in · indtoday.com · lavocedivenezia.it · madhyamamonline.com · morgenpost.de · nayaindia.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · odishabytes.com · pratahkal.com · punjabkesari.com · samacharnama.com · tfiglobalnews.com · tr.euronews.com · tv9hindi.com · vishwavani.news · worldisraelnews.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history