‘Remember his name’: Indian pilot hailed by Israelis after flydubai attack

The phrase spread rapidly across Israeli social media after the dramatic incident aboard a flydubai flight, with users posting tributes to the Indian captain whose actions were credited with helping avert a potential disaster involving more than 170 passengers.

Machchhar, the captain of a Boeing 737 MAX flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit. Despite his injuries, the Indian pilot continued to fight for control of the aircraft as the situation unfolded.

Videos thanking Machchhar began appearing across Israeli social media, with users describing him as a hero and urging others to remember his name.

Israeli content creator Einav Avizemer posted a video thanking both Machchhar and India.

“I want to take this opportunity and thank the Indian pilot. What a hero,” she said, adding that without his actions, “it could end up in a whole different way”.

Israeli influencer Talia Yoseph similarly called on her followers to remember the captain.

“I want every single one of you to know the name Smit Machchhar,” she said, praising him for continuing to fight despite being seriously wounded.

Influencer Nima Yamini, who has more than 5.39 lakh followers, also highlighted Machchhar’s actions.

“So this Indian pilot was stabbed trying to stop a terrorist hijacking today, and his actions may have helped save Israeli passengers,” Yamini said, describing the incident as one of “courage, bravery, valor”.

“We salute this Indian pilot. Thank you,” he added.

Israeli journalist Neria Kraus also described the captain’s actions during the attack.

“The pilot, he was such a hero… he was fighting the co-pilot who was stabbing him. He managed to open the door,” Kraus said.

CO-PILOT ALLEGEDLY INTENDED TO CRASH PLANE

Israeli authorities said the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft. The plane reportedly plunged thousands of metres before a reserve crew member and passengers were able to intervene and help regain control.

The Indian embassy said it was monitoring Machchhar’s condition and was in contact with his family. The captain was reported to be stable as he recovered from his injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar a day after the incident, calling him a “hero” for his actions during the cockpit attack.

“Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero,” Modi said in a post on X, praising his courage despite suffering serious injuries.

Modi said Machchhar’s “valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy”, adding that “India is proud” of the captain. He also wished him a speedy recovery and good health.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, saying the Indian captain had displayed “extraordinary bravery” and helped prevent a catastrophic disaster.

US President Donald Trump joined the tributes, saying Machchhar managed to regain control of the aircraft before it could crash.

“He took the stick and levelled out the plane before it could crash,” Trump said.

Trump said the co-pilot had stabbed Machchhar but praised the injured captain for having the presence of mind to open the cockpit door.

MACHCHHAR HAS THOUSANDS OF HOURS ON BOEING 737

Machchhar joined flydubai in 2022 after previously working with SpiceJet. His LinkedIn profile says he has around 9,750 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft.

As details of the incident emerged, tributes from Israel, India and elsewhere continued to focus on the captain’s actions during the cockpit attack and his role in bringing the aircraft safely through the crisis.