Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commended Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight, seeking Israeli credibility, for his actions during a violent altercation on a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight.
Netanyahu sent a tweet to the Flt.Knighter to congratulate him for “extraordinary bravery” after reportedly being stabbed by his co-pilot in the flight. It was then diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia where it safely landed.
Machchhar fought back and despite being badly injured succeeded in opening up the cockpit door according to Israeli officials. This gave the passengers and others on the crew to come into the cockpit and assist in defeating the co-pilot.
Omar Machchhar’s actions, combined with those of the passengers and crew, “saved what could have been a significant aviation catastrophe,” Netanyahu said. He also expressed his condolences on his recovery as well as called him a hero.
According to reports, 174 people were on the plane – Flydubai flight FZ1073 – when it crashed. In the cockpit fight there was a sudden drift down in the aircraft, which was subsequently brought back under control by passengers and crew. After the flight landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus Reuven Azar also paid homage to Machchhar and the people who subdued the attacker. Azar said he was praying to recover them (the captain), and showed his appreciation of him as an experienced pilot.
Machchhar has been identified as an Indian national who joined Flydubai as a captain in 2022 after spending 11 years with SpiceJet. Listed on his professional profile is a wealth of Boeing 737 flying experience.
The motive for the attack on the cockpit is yet to be discovered. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident and Flydubai has asked people not to speculate. Following the incident, the company has also grounded flights to and from Israel.