Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed as Hero After Foiling Flydubai Hijacking Attempt
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Captain Smit Machchhar prevented a hijacking by fighting off an attacker in the cockpit.
- Machchhar's actions allowed passengers and crew to subdue the assailant and save the plane.
- The pilot sustained injuries but managed to open the cockpit door.
- International leaders, including Netanyahu and Modi, have praised Machchhar's bravery.
- Israeli passengers played a key role in subduing the attacker.
Captain Smit Machchhar, a 39-year-old Indian pilot, is being lauded for his bravery after preventing a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight. During the incident, an Omani co-pilot attacked Machchhar with a knife in the cockpit. Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to activate the cockpit door release. This action allowed Israeli passengers and other crew members on board to enter the cockpit, subdue the assailant, and prevent the aircraft from crashing. The plane was reportedly losing altitude dangerously at the time of the incident.
Machchhar's decisive actions are credited with saving the lives of the 174 passengers and crew. Among those who intervened was Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun, who stated, "If we hadn't managed to get into the cockpit, we would all be dead, including my family." The pilot's heroism has drawn praise from international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
With 15 years of aviation experience, Machchhar previously worked for SpiceJet in India for eleven years before joining Flydubai in 2022. Colleagues and family describe him as an experienced and kind pilot with a passion for cricket. Following emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia, he has been transferred to Dubai for continued medical care. In India, there are calls for him to be honored by lighting a torch at the upcoming Independence Day ceremony.
Read the original at i24NEWS FrenchMentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
