Captain Smita’s Heroic Action Saves 180 Lives, Ambassador Azar Comments

New Delhi – Israeli Ambassador to India, Ruben Azar, lauded Captain Smita Machhar for averting a potential disaster on Flydubai flight FD1073. The flight, carrying over 170 passengers, faced a dangerous situation when a co‑pilot attempted to cripple the aircraft.

The Boeing 737, cruising at roughly 34,000 feet, began an uncontrolled descent that threatened to reach the ground within minutes. Captain Machhar’s quick thinking halted the descent, and she confronted the mutinous co‑pilot, restraining him and opening the cockpit door for the cabin crew and passengers to assist.

Thanks to her intervention, the aircraft stabilized and safely continued its journey, saving the lives of approximately 180 individuals on board, including Indian, Israeli and Emirati travellers.

Ambassador Azar explained that while he does not know if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed the incident, the two nations’ anti‑terrorism agencies are in continuous dialogue. He affirmed that information sharing at every level, from the highest political echelons to operational units, is ongoing.

He also expressed personal prayers for Captain Machhar’s quick recovery and praised the collaborative spirit among India, Israel and the United Arab Emirates that helped safeguard the flight.

The episode highlights the importance of personal courage combined with international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.