Israeli Pilot Praised as Hero After Crisis; Childhood Friend Recalls His Calm Nature

Israeli Pilot Praised as Hero After Crisis; Childhood Friend Recalls His Calm Nature

GGS NEWS 

World leaders Narendra Modi, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu may have hailed him as a “hero”, but for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, he can perhaps be simply described as an airline captain, lifelong learner, father and someone who helps others fly higher.

Captain Smit Machchar displayed courage even when he was stabbed and managed to save passengers onboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which his co-pilot was allegedly trying to crash on Wednesday.

The Mumbai native was critically assaulted and covered in blood when he managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed the crew and passengers on the aircraft to overpower the accused co-pilot, and other pilots travelling as passengers help in stabilising the aircraft in time.

"As a pilot, I was simply doing my duty," he has humbly said in a post.

In fact, in striking case of déjà vu, during a YouTube podcast series in 2025, when he was asked what's a bigger high, a smooth landing, or an on-time arrival, he had said, "None. Safe. You don't have to think about on time. They've hired other people to take care of that."

According to his Linkedin profile, he has been working with flydubai since June 2022. Earlier, he was a Commander at SpiceJet Limited for over 11 years.

Despite his rich career in aviation, his educational qualifications tell his passion took a sharp detour while growing up.

Before pursuing Bachelor of Business Administration student from Welingkar Institute of Management, he completed his Diploma in Man-Made Textile Chemistry, Apparel and Textiles from SASMIRA Institute of Man-Made Textiles, with an aim to join his family business.

Reports say he was in his late teens when he attended a seminar on aviation that sowed the seed of flying much higher.

"Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X. "In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a "true hero".

According to his childhood friend Prateek Gandhi, even as a young boy, Machchar was very calm and composed. "He was the most sorted kind of a guy in our neighbourhood," said Gandhi, who recalled playing cricket with Smit in childhood.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who prayed for me, supported me and sent messages of love and encouragement.

Thank you to my fellow Indians, my colleagues, the passengers, the crew, and everyone around the world who stood by me during this difficult time.

As a pilot, I was…

— Captain Smit Machchhar (@CaptSmitMachchh) October 1, 2026