Invites him, Modi to Israel’s I-Day event
DUBAI, OCT 4 (PTI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a “hero of the entire world” after he helped prevent what investigators believe was an attempted terrorist act aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to Machchhar over the phone on Saturday while he was undergoing treatment in a UAE hospital, Netanyahu praised his courage and invited him to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a ceremonial flame.
Machchhar, 38, was seriously injured on Wednesday after allegedly being attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot, identified by media reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. According to Machchhar, the co-pilot suddenly struck him repeatedly on the head with a crash axe.
Despite severe injuries and blurred vision, Machchhar resisted the attacker as the aircraft began a rapid descent. He forced open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members outside to intervene and overpower the attacker.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers and reportedly descended more than 17,000 feet after emergency signals were transmitted. Passengers subdued the co-pilot, reportedly restraining him with a headphone cable, while two reserve pilots safely landed the aircraft at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The UAE, leading the investigation, said preliminary findings indicated the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act. Authorities are examining his motives and possible connections. Media reports have suggested al-Hammami had previously faced restrictions in Oman over concerns about radical ideological views.
Machchhar, who also spoke with Modi, said he was determined not to let innocent people die. The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed he was stable and recovering well.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Machchhar in hospital.