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Captain Smit Machchhar has received a rare invitation from Netanyahu to participate in Israel’s Independence Day flame-lighting ceremony. (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended a rare invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to participate in Israel’s Independence Day ceremony and light the ceremonial flame.
The invitation comes days after Machchhar survived a terrifying cockpit attack aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, where he was seriously injured while attempting to protect 174 passengers. His extraordinary response during the mid-air emergency has now earned him international recognition.
Netanyahu invited Machchhar and PM Modi to take part in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations, where they would participate in the traditional flame-lighting ceremony.
The ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem is one of the most prominent events marking Israel’s Independence Day. The flame-lighting tradition recognises individuals for notable contributions to Israeli society and carries considerable national significance.
Netanyahu’s invitation to Machchhar is particularly striking because it follows an incident in which the Indian pilot’s actions became central to preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome aboard a passenger aircraft.
Machchhar was commanding Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the emergency unfolded. The Boeing 737-8 was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, and was cruising at around 34,000 feet when Machchhar was attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot. The aircraft subsequently experienced a rapid loss of altitude, plunging more than 17,000 feet as the situation inside the flight deck deteriorated.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar continued trying to regain control of the situation. His eventual effort to open the cockpit door allowed passengers and crew members to enter and confront the attacker.
Other qualified pilots on board then assisted with the aircraft’s control, and the flight was diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Machchhar later described the sequence of events during his conversation with Netanyahu. According to his account, the flight had begun normally before the co-pilot asked to pray. Machchhar briefly turned his attention away from the controls, after which he was suddenly struck from behind.
At first, he believed the aircraft itself had suffered a catastrophic problem. As the assault continued, however, he realised that the co-pilot was attacking him. His vision became blurred and the aircraft began descending rapidly. Machchhar attempted to open the cockpit door, but the attacker managed to close it again.
Even while seriously injured, the captain made another attempt. He eventually reached the internal door-release mechanism and opened the door, allowing people outside the cockpit to enter.
Passengers and crew members then intervened, while other pilots helped restore control of the aircraft. That moment proved crucial in bringing the emergency under control.
Israel’s Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl is traditionally associated with the lighting of ceremonial torches by individuals recognised for their contributions to the country and its society. The invitation extended to Machchhar therefore carries significance beyond a conventional expression of appreciation.
For an Indian commercial pilot who became the focus of an international aviation emergency, the invitation represents an extraordinary transition from a life-threatening cockpit crisis to the centre of one of Israel’s most important national ceremonies. The proposed participation of PM Modi alongside Machchhar also gives the gesture a wider India-Israel dimension.
Before Netanyahu’s invitation, PM Modi had spoken with Machchhar during his recovery and praised his composure and decision-making during the emergency. The Prime Minister’s interaction with the pilot came as Machchhar continued receiving medical treatment following the attack.
Machchhar’s account of the incident has since drawn attention to the split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of an aviation emergency.
The incident has also triggered a broader investigation by UAE authorities. Officials have described the attack as an alleged terrorist act and are examining the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot’s actions, including his background, possible motive and whether there were warning signs before the flight.
The alleged attacker has been identified in media reports as an Omani national. Reports have also raised questions about his previous aviation history and whether concerns about his background had emerged before he joined Flydubai. Investigators are expected to examine available physical and digital evidence as they work to establish the full sequence of events and determine whether the attack was planned.
Machchhar’s story has moved far beyond the aviation industry. His actions have drawn praise from political leaders, aviation professionals and members of the public, with attention focused on how he continued responding to the emergency despite serious injuries and a rapidly deteriorating situation.
His recovery is now being closely followed as authorities investigate the attack and aviation experts examine the implications for cockpit security, crew screening and emergency preparedness.
The contrast could hardly be more dramatic. Days ago, Smit Machchhar was fighting to survive inside a cockpit as a passenger aircraft rapidly lost altitude. Now, the Indian pilot has been invited to stand alongside PM Modi at Mount Herzl and participate in Israel’s Independence Day flame-lighting ceremony.
What began as a terrifying aviation emergency has evolved into an international story of courage, recognition and diplomacy. For Machchhar, the next chapter could take him from the cockpit where he fought to save a flight to the ceremonial stage where Israel honours those it wishes to recognise.
