Mumbai Hails Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar for Saving Lives!
Mumbai Hails Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar for Saving Lives!
Mumbai sees billboards praising Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, hailed a hero by Israel for his bravery during a critical flydubai flight incident, saving 174 lives. Discover his heroic act!
Mumbai is buzzing with a powerful display of gratitude as billboards across the city honor Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot recognized for his extraordinary courage in saving 174 lives during a harrowing in-flight incident. The Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has spearheaded a public awareness campaign, erecting billboards at prominent locations like Warden Road, Napean Sea Road junction, Western Express Highway, BKC-Sion connector, Andheri-Jogeshwari flyover, and Tulsi Pipeline Road.
These billboards bear a poignant message: "Thank You, Captain Smit, For Saving Israeli Lives! Wishing You a Speedy Recovery." Captain Smit Machchhar's heroic actions unfolded during a flydubai Boeing 737-8 MAX flight FZ 1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. During the flight, an in-flight incident occurred where one pilot reportedly stabbed the other.
Despite sustaining severe wounds to his neck and hands, Captain Machchhar, the pilot who was attacked, activated emergency alerts and successfully opened the cockpit door, averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome. The aircraft, flying at about 34,000 feet, made a sudden descent before landing safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, despite extensive damage.
Consul General Yaniv Revach, present at one of the billboard displays, expressed profound gratitude.
The State of Israel and its citizens are deeply grateful to Captain Smit and 4 Israeli passengers on board who saved 174 lives. Captain Smit has become a hero in both India and Israel,
Revach stated, adding that an official honor awaits Captain Machchhar in Israel once he makes a full recovery.
Revach also drew a parallel between this incident and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, highlighting a shared cultural value in Indian and Jewish traditions for preserving innocent life. Revach cautioned against speculative narratives by some media outlets, naming Qatar and Al Jazeera, that he believes might misrepresent facts or strain international relations.
He revealed that the UAE government has invited Israeli authorities to join the investigation into the incident. While trusting a thorough investigation will bring clarity, he noted that the possibility of a "lone-wolf attack cannot be ruled out." The incident led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to state that one pilot stabbed the other and "apparently tried to crash the plane." Most of the 174 passengers on board were Israelis, including 27 children.
Following the event, flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel, and a comprehensive investigation is underway.
Captain Machchhar, who previously worked with SpiceJet, joined flydubai as a captain in 2022.
Revach personally conveyed his wishes and prayers to Captain Machchhar's family, emphasizing that this act of bravery has significantly deepened the bond of friendship between the people of India and Israel.
Prayers and pride are echoing through Mumbai's Tilak Nagar, Captain Machchhar's neighborhood, as residents await his full recovery.
