Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a ceremonial torch at Israel's upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Machchhar got this special invitation for his bravery which he shows during Flydubai Flight FZ1073's dangerous cockpit incident.
During their conversation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly praised Captain Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind. He called him not only a hero of India and Israel, but a *“hero of the entire world.”* He also said that the citizens of Israel would welcome him with open arms.

Netanyahu Invites Smit Machchhar for Israel Independence Day

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Captain Smit Machchhar to take part in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a ceremonial flame. The invitation is being seen as a special gesture because the torch-lighting ceremony is an important part of Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. Netanyahu said that this honour is normally reserved for Israeli citizens, but Machchhar’s case is different. According to Netanyahu, the Indian pilot demonstrated remarkable courage while facing an extremely dangerous situation, and Israel wants to recognise his bravery by making him part of this special ceremony.


Why Smit Machchhar Received This Special Honour

Captain Smit Machchhar’s name made international headlines following the Flydubai Flight FZ1073 incident on September 30. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious confrontation took place inside the cockpit, leaving Machchhar injured. Following the incident, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude. According to reports, despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to reach the cockpit and help bring the situation under control. The flight eventually made a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the situation inside the cockpit suddenly turned dangerous. According to Captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot attacked him. During his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar also described how the incident unfolded. He said the co-pilot had asked for some time to pray. Respecting his request, Machchhar kept his attention focused toward the front. A few moments later, he felt a strong blow to the back of his head. At first, he thought there might have been a major technical problem with the aircraft. However, after the attacks continued, he realised that he was being assaulted inside the cockpit.

 Smit Machchhar's One Last Attempt Saved the Situation

After the attack, Captain Smit Machchhar was in serious condition, with his vision also badly affected. Meanwhile, the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, and passengers began to realise that something was seriously wrong. Machchhar told Netanyahu that he tried to open the cockpit door, but the attacker closed it again. Despite his injuries and weakening condition, Machchhar used his remaining strength to make one final attempt and successfully opened the cockpit door. Once the door was open, passengers and crew members were able to enter the cockpit. Additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight as passengers then stepped in and took control of the aircraft. Their intervention helped the flight make a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

PM Modi Had Earlier Praised Smit Machchhar

Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage also received recognition in India. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his bravery and described his actions as heroic. Later, PM Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar over the phone to check on his health and recovery. During the conversation, Modi appreciated his courage and determination in such difficult circumstances and wished him a speedy recovery. 

Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar?

Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot who previously worked with SpiceJet before joining Flydubai. According to reports, he has several years of professional experience in aviation and joined Flydubai in 2022.Following the FZ1073 incident, however, the focus shifted from his professional background to his actions during the emergency. At a moment when the aircraft and the safety of everyone on board were under serious threat, Machchhar’s attempt to open the cockpit door became a critical step in helping bring the situation under control.

Smit Machchhar Story Gets International Recognition

Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions have received appreciation not only in India and Israel but also at the international level. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority also recognised the courage and quick response shown by Captain Machchhar, the crew and passengers during the incident. The authority said that their decisive actions and sense of responsibility during the emergency played an important role in helping contain the situation. However, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and some details have yet to be officially established.

What does Israel's Torch-Lighting Ceremony Mean?

Israel's Independence Day celebration is an important national occasion and The torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem is a prominent part of Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. During the ceremony, selected individuals are given the honour of lighting ceremonial torches in recognition of their contributions and achievements in Israeli society.

According to reports, Netanyahu specifically highlighted that this honour is generally reserved for Israeli citizens. However, inviting Machchhar to take part in the ceremony is being viewed as a special gesture to recognise his extraordinary courage during the flight incident.

 Modi and Machchhar Could Share the Stage in Israel

Netanyahu’s invitation could also create an interesting India-Israel moment. If the invitation is accepted and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Independence Day celebrations, Modi and Captain Smit Machchhar could potentially appear together at the event.

For Machchhar, the occasion would be more than just a ceremonial appearance. It would represent international recognition of his actions during a dangerous mid-air emergency, when the safety of the passengers and crew was at serious risk.

A Heroic Story That Goes Beyond Borders

Smit Machchhar’s story has now become much more than an aviation emergency. An Indian pilot, an Israel-bound flight and a life-threatening cockpit incident brought international attention to his actions. Now, Netanyahu’s invitation to take part in Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony adds another significant chapter to the story. The final findings of the investigation are still awaited, but Machchhar’s courage and quick response during the emergency have been widely highlighted. Netanyahu has also recognised these actions by inviting him to be part of Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.