[REVISION HISTORY]

Recognition of pilot Smit Machchhar after cockpit attack

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-22 16:16 UTC → 2026-10-23 06:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~reaffirmed~~ discussed the ~~strong bilateral relationship between India~~ momentum of the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and ~~Israel,~~ 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.

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