# Netanyahu thanks Indian pilot for heroism in rescuing Flydubai passengers

https://mins.news/en/item/81080

- TASS, 2026-09-30 22:39 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/emergencies/2195343

> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised stabbed Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar for fighting back, opening the cockpit door and helping passengers and crew overpower an attacker, which he said prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster and saved 174 people. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with all passengers safe.

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