Flydubai Captain Smit Machchar Remains Hospitalised in the UAE as He Recovers from His Injuries.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchar, who was seriously injured during the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, has received a personal letter from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, inviting him to visit Jerusalem once he has fully recovered.
Herzog shared a photograph of the letter on social media platform X. The correspondence included a handwritten greeting, ‘Dear Smit’, alongside the formal salutation, ‘Dear Captain Machchar’, adding a personal element to the president’s message.
According to findings released by UAE investigators, Captain Machchar suffered severe injuries after his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him with an emergency axe during the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.
Authorities said the incident was an attempted terrorist attack that was ultimately prevented. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely, and the Israeli passengers were subsequently transported home.
In his letter dated October 4, 2026, Herzog acknowledged the frightening circumstances Captain Machchar faced inside the cockpit and the extraordinary pressure of responding to a life-threatening situation while the aircraft was in flight.
The Israeli president described the incident as resembling a dramatic thriller, while emphasising the genuine fear and urgency the pilot must have experienced as he fought to protect himself and those aboard the aircraft.
Herzog also published photographs showing Captain Machchar reading the letter from his hospital bed. The Indian pilot is currently undergoing medical treatment and recovering from his injuries at a hospital in the UAE.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of Israel, Herzog praised the captain’s bravery, determination and quick decision-making during the emergency.
He credited Machchar’s actions with helping prevent a potentially devastating outcome for the innocent passengers travelling on the aircraft.
The president further commended the pilot for demonstrating remarkable strength despite his injuries, confronting the immediate danger and maintaining the judgment necessary to respond to the crisis.
Concluding his message, Herzog wished Captain Machchar a complete and speedy recovery, while extending an invitation to visit Jerusalem once his health has been fully restored.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also expressed his desire to personally welcome Captain Smit Machchar to Jerusalem once he has fully recovered from his injuries.
In his letter, Herzog said he would be honoured to present the Indian pilot with Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, the country’s highest recognition for acts of civilian bravery.
The president explained that the proposed honour would be presented on behalf of the Israeli people in recognition of Machchar’s courage and actions during the mid-air emergency.
Herzog also expressed confidence in the medical treatment the injured captain is receiving in the United Arab Emirates.
He acknowledged the UAE’s support and healthcare assistance, describing the country as a valued friend and partner of Israel while expressing reassurance that Machchar was receiving excellent medical care during his recovery.
Israeli Prime Minister Also Invites Captain Smit as Guest of Honour
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally contacted Captain Machchar by telephone to commend his bravery and invite him to visit Israel as a guest of honour.
During the conversation, Netanyahu proposed that Machchar join Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in lighting a ceremonial flame at Israel’s national Independence Day celebrations in May 2027.
The prime minister explained that participation in the traditional ceremony is generally reserved for Israeli citizens, making the proposed invitation a special recognition of the Indian pilot’s actions.
Netanyahu praised Machchar’s courage, describing him as a hero not only to the people of India and Israel but also to people around the world.
The Israeli prime minister’s office subsequently released a video of the telephone conversation with the captain, who remains hospitalised while recovering from his injuries.
Israeli Officials Praise Pilot’s Courage During Mid-Air Attack
Several other senior Israeli officials have also publicly recognised Captain Machchar’s actions during the attempted attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
Among them was Amir Ohana, Speaker of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, who expressed support for the injured pilot and his family.
Ohana said the Israeli people were praying for Machchar’s recovery, praising him for confronting his co-pilot during the mid-air attack and helping protect the Israeli passengers on board.
He highlighted the captain’s exceptional courage in an extremely dangerous situation, describing his response as an act of bravery during a moment of terror.
The parliamentary speaker also conveyed his sympathy and solidarity with Machchar and his family as the pilot continues his recovery.
The messages from Israel’s senior leadership reflect the recognition Captain Machchar has received for his actions during the emergency and the efforts that helped bring the aircraft to a safe landing.
