Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to crash a Flydubai flight had undergone “Islamist, radical indoctrination”, while investigations continued to establish the motive behind the incident.

#flydubai #SmitMachchhar

https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/01/netanyahu-claims-flydubai-co-pilot-underwent-islamist-radical-indoctrination

Interestingly, Machchhar did not have plans to become a pilot. After completing school, he enrolled in textile engineering, with plans join and manage his family’s textile business.

However, he shifted to aviation after attending a seminar on the subject at 19.

🔗https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/gujarat/2026/Oct/02/smit-machchhar-boy-from-gujarat-who-prefers-to-fly-high

#SmitMachchhar #flydubai #gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchaar, the flydubai pilot who helped foil an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flight, and praised his courage during the incident.

During the telephonic conversation, Machchaar shared details of the incident and what gave him the courage to respond, government sources said. Modi applauded his bravery and wished him a speedy recovery.

#FlyDubai #SmitMachchhar #NarendraModi


🔗https://youtu.be/ilMhCahQm7g?si=6QEQiTgdHsPBGz2m

The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the Prime Minister's Office to consider Captain Smit Machchhar, Pilot-in-Command of flydubai Flight FZ1073, for a National Bravery Award for his conduct during an in-flight emergency, during which he was attacked by his Omani co-pilot on September 30.

#flydubai #SmitMachchhar

https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Oct/02/pilots-body-seeks-national-bravery-award-for-flydubai-captain-attacked-by-co-pilot-mid-flight

The Congress lauded Captain Smith Machchaar for his courage in protecting the lives of 174 passengers by foiling an attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound FlyDubai flight.

#flydubai #SmitMachchhar

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Oct/03/congress-lauds-captain-smith-machchaar-for-foiling-co-pilots-attempt-to-crash-flydubai-flight