“Either a terrorist or a hooligan”: Trump called Indian captain Smit Machchhar a hero in the attack on flydubai | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight in which Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly tried to crash the plane.
Trump said it appeared the suspect “may have been a terrorist or maybe a dirty job.” He said Netanyahu and others told him about how a plumber on board managed to level the plane after it began to fall from the nose.
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“I spoke to Bibi (Benjamin Netanyahu) about this incident. It appears that the co-pilot was possibly a terrorist or possibly a bomber and stabbed the pilot,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, describing the Indian Indian as a hero.
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The incident occurred as a result of a violent altercation in the cockpit between two pilots in which the other pilot stabbed the captain, leading to an emergency landing.
The flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot reportedly tried to crash the plane after attacking the captain.
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, was stabbed by his co-pilot during an argument in the cockpit, but despite his injuries he managed to unlock the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew intervened during the in-flight emergency, with several individuals, including an Israeli passenger, helping to subdue the attacking co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft.
Key uncertainties include the co-pilot’s motives for the attack and whether there were any prior indications of an argument or intentions to bring down the plane.
“The pilot was in very bad shape. But in a way, he was a hero who opened the door,” Trump said, adding, “I don’t know if that’s true, but that’s the story I got from Bibi and a few other people.”
What happened on board flyfubai?
The flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv took place emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on September 30 after a violent altercation between the two pilots left both injured and sparked a major security response.
The incident took place on board flydubai flight FZ1073 with more than 170 passengers on board. The plane finally landed safely at Tabuk airportwhere the Saudi authorities detained one of the pilots.
According to ANI, citing Israel’s i24 News, an Indian pilot was stabbed and seriously injured. Captain Smit Machcharwhich is based in Dubai. The co-pilot was identified by an Israeli official as an Omani national.
Passengers who experienced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia during a FlyDubai flight arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
The exact circumstances and motive for the confrontation remained unclear.
Flydubai confirmed that “there was an altercation in the cockpit”. The airline said its crew on duty secured the plane, diverted the flight and landed it safely.
Read also | Who Is Smit Machchhar, FlyDubai Captain Stabbed During Mid-Air Cockpit Clash?
“They said (the pilot) wanted to crash the plane, but they don’t have that information,” Trump told reporters.
Netanyahu he said evidence indicated one pilot stabbed the other and then apparently tried to crash the plane. He said an Israeli passenger and crew member intervened after the plane began to sink. Passenger Yaniv Hayoun met Netanyahu and recounted his attempt to enter the cockpit.
Trump also praised the Israeli who intervened. The flight plunged thousands of feet before crew members and passengers intervened, before landing safely in Saudi Arabia, Fox News reported.
The bravery of Captain Machchhar and the passengers drew widespread admiration from the Indian and Israeli diplomatic missions as well as the global aviation community.
Hailing Captain Machchhar as a hero, the Ministry of External Affairs said the captain fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit and managed to unlock the cockpit door despite his severe injuries.
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, also expressed solidarity and appreciated the collective resolve shown on board the aircraft.
“Along with Israel, India and the United Arab Emirates, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the experienced and gifted hero of the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073. His courage and that of the other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew saved the lives of 180 souls. United against terrorism!” Azar posted on X.
The Embassy of India in Israel issued a statement praising the pilot’s perseverance under pressure.
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“A resounding salute to Captain Smit Machchhar, the brave Indian pilot of Flight FZ1073! Despite being injured in an extraordinary and challenging situation, Captain Machchhar displayed remarkable courage, composure and devotion to duty and helped ensure the safety of all on board. Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Machchhar for a speedy and full recovery,” the embassy said.
Who is Captain Machchhar?
Captain Machchhar is a seasoned pilot currently flying as a Direct Entry Captain on the UAE-based carrier Flydubai.
A veteran in the cockpit, Captain Machchhar brings over 13 years of commercial aviation experience with an impressive 9,750 flight hours, mostly on Boeing 737 (B737) aircraft.
Along with Israel, India and the UAE, I pray for the life of Captain Smit Machchhar, an experienced and gifted hero.
Prior to joining Flydubai, he had a distinguished 11-year stint with the Indian airline serving as a Line Training Captain.
