<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The pilot who unlocked the cockpit door of a hijacked Flydubai flight after being stabbed to allow passengers to storm the cockpit has been identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Machchhar was first identified in Indian media, followed by confirmation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. In a post on X, the prime minister wished him a "speedy and full recovery" and recognized him for his actions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to accounts from Netanyahu and other passengers, Machchhar attempted to fight off his co-pilot before sustaining critical injuries from a small knife. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the hijacker.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4748090/benjamin-netanyahu-flydubai-plane-hijacking-pilot-stabbing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NETANYAHU SAYS ONE PILOT STABBED THE OTHER AND TRIED TO CRASH FLYDUBAI PLANE</a></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery," Netanyahu stated in a post on X. "Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals." Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing. Officials reported that he is in stable condition and that they are in contact with his family.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <em>Washington Examiner</em> reached out to Flydubai for comment and an update on Machchhar’s condition.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Netanyahu spokesman Doron Spielman noted that the pilot used the "last moments of his energy" to open the cockpit door, which is typically locked due to safety protocols.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Images and videos from the incident showed Machchhar's injured state with an oxygen mask. His life was reportedly saved by an Israeli doctor who was on the flight.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Machchhar's LinkedIn profile indicates he flew with India’s domestic carrier, SpiceJet, from June 2011 to June 2022 before joining Flydubai. He has logged 9,750 hours on the Boeing 737 fleet, including the B737-800 and B737 MAX 8/9, and served as a line training captain.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He described himself on LinkedIn as "skilled in mentoring and assessing pilots, with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence. Currently a Direct Entry Captain at Flydubai, seeking to contribute further to the training team."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Machchhar appeared on a podcast titled <em>Bona-Fide Banter</em> nearly a year ago, discussing his experiences as a pilot. This hijacking was not his first notable flight, as he recounted a previous incident where a woman gave birth onboard.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The identity of his co-pilot has not been disclosed, but Israeli media identified him as an Omani national.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the revelation of Machchhar’s identity and the details of the incident, there was a significant outpouring of gratitude from various Israeli political figures.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Right-wing Israeli politician Almog Cohen referred to him as the "State of Israel’s hero of the day." Cohen stated that Machchhar’s "remarkable resourcefulness enabled him to unlock the cockpit door and allow the Israeli passengers to overpower the attacker." He also mentioned plans to propose a bill to name a lounge at Ben Gurion Airport in Machchhar’s honor.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4748440/passengers-flydubai-plane-arrive-israel-rescue-flight/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PASSENGERS FROM FLYDUBAI PLANE ARRIVE IN ISRAEL ON RESCUE FLIGHT</a></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar expressed his prayers for Machchhar’s recovery, describing him as the "experienced and gifted hero Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073." He acknowledged the courage of Machchhar and other passengers and crew members in saving the lives of those onboard.</p>