News for 'passenger heroes'

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Hero Indian pilot on Flydubai prevents crash, saves 174 passengers

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian captain and Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroically fought off a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

'True hero who prevented a disaster': Israel heaps praise on Capt Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a hero by Israeli leaders for his extraordinary bravery in thwarting an alleged mid-air attack by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and prevent a catastrophic disaster. The flight, carrying 174 passengers, safely landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar is recovering.

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.

Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets A Royal Visitor

Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets A Royal Visitor

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

On Saturday, October 3, Dubai's Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who is recuperating in a hospital after he was attacked mid-flight by his co-pilot.

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Modi, Netanyahu hail Capt Machchhar for averting Flydubai crash

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero for thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight, saving 174 lives. Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, resisted the attacker and helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Plumber who never flew a plane steadied flydubai jet: Trump

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump recounted an unconfirmed story about a flydubai flight where an Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off a knife attack from a co-pilot attempting to crash the aircraft. Trump also detailed a dramatic intervention by an Israeli plumber-passenger who helped subdue the co-pilot, learning flying basics from a TV show. Trump stressed that he was merely relaying an account from Israeli PM Netanyahu, not independently confirmed facts.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Netanyahu invites Modi to join Machchhar for Israel's I-Day

Netanyahu invites Modi to join Machchhar for Israel's I-Day

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebrations. The invitation also extends to brave Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who recently averted a potential hijacking of a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Netanyahu highlighted the strong, long-standing ties and joint fight against terrorism between India and Israel.

Capt Machchhar stable, getting treatment at Saudi hospital

Capt Machchhar stable, getting treatment at Saudi hospital

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is in stable condition in Saudi Arabia after being seriously injured while preventing his co-pilot from crashing a Flydubai flight. He was stabbed during the incident, but managed to alert others, leading to the co-pilot's incapacitation and a safe landing. Both Indian and Israeli leaders have praised his heroic actions.

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a 'hero of the entire world' for his bravery in foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and has extended an invitation to Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Capt Machchhar stable, being treated at Saudi hospital

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is hailed as a 'real hero' by a senior Israeli official for his bravery during a mid-air 'terror act' on a Flydubai flight, preventing a 'bigger tragedy' after being attacked by his co-pilot with a knife.

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Israel bans Pakistani pilots, crew after flydubai incident

Rediff.com7 days ago

Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar bravely recounts his terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a flydubai flight last month, detailing how his quick thinking and survival instinct thwarted a co-pilot's planned suicide attack and saved over 170 lives.

Dentist's 45-minute battle saved Smit Machchhar after cockpit stabbing

Dentist's 45-minute battle saved Smit Machchhar after cockpit stabbing

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

A dentist on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight heroically saved Captain Smit Machchhar's life after he was stabbed by a co-pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Dr. Shuta Musaev's 45-minute intervention, using makeshift medical supplies, stabilised the severely injured captain, who is now recovering and has been praised by Indian and Israeli Prime Ministers.

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

'Capt Machchhar in good health and recovering well': Indian envoy to UAE

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero after he thwarted an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight carrying nearly 180 people. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar fought back, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Indian envoys met his family in Dubai, assuring full government support, while the co-pilot has been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

'Captain Machchhar's muscle memory averted disaster'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing a Flydubai flight from crashing after being stabbed by his co-pilot. His friend, Dr. Jinit Shah, attributes his ability to avert the tragedy to "muscle memory" and his extensive pilot training. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Captain Machchhar's immense courage.

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in fighting off an attack from his co-pilot on a flydubai flight, preventing a potential catastrophe. President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, which will be presented once Machchhar recovers.

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Flydubai pilot tried to crash plane after stabbing co-pilot: Netanyahu

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that evidence suggests a flydubai pilot attempted to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight, but was stopped by an Israeli passenger and a crew member.

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Trump 'personally' believes Iran behind Flydubai terror attack

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has stated his personal belief that Iran was responsible for the attempted mid-air hijacking and crash of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, where an Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain.

'I Am Happy For Nana Patekar Because...'

'I Am Happy For Nana Patekar Because...'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

'...He would have hated to be ill or to be hospitalised.'

Electric PV Sales Nearly Double In September; E-Two-Wheeler Sales Rise 89%

Electric PV Sales Nearly Double In September; E-Two-Wheeler Sales Rise 89%

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

September marked India's highest-ever monthly EV retail volume. More than one in nine two-wheelers retailed in September was electric.

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Fighter jets were called in for rescue: Israeli envoy on flydubai incident

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Israeli envoy Reuven Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai plane en route to Tel Aviv. Azar detailed Israel's immediate response, including scrambling fighter jets, and highlighted the combined efforts of the captain, Israeli passengers, and crew in ensuring a safe landing in Saudi Arabia, saving nearly 180 lives.

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be awarded the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for his extraordinary bravery. Machchhar thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, saving 174 lives despite being stabbed. He is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and special prayers for his recovery have been organised at the Somnath temple.

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Flydubai co-pilot identified; barred in Oman over radical views

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

An Omani citizen, Hamam al-Hammami, has been identified as the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to take control of a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which the UAE has now confirmed as a 'terrorist act'.

I had that one last fight left in me: Captain Smit Machchhar

I had that one last fight left in me: Captain Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for preventing his co-pilot from crashing an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Machchhar recounted his struggle in the cockpit, where he was attacked by the co-pilot and fought to open the cockpit door from the inside, allowing others to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

'I was fighting for my life, but wouldn't let others die': Capt Machchhar tells Modi

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Captain Smit Machchaar for his exceptional bravery in foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Modi spoke to Machchaar and his family, expressing pride in his heroic actions that saved hundreds of lives. The incident involved a sharp descent and diversion of the flight, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledging Machchaar's courage.

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

In a major disclosure, Anwar Gargash, an adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, has officially termed the cockpit attack aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight a "dangerous terrorist act," marking the first time a top Emirati official has formally classified the attempted crash in such terms.

EV sales in India hit record high, with 63% YoY increase in June

EV sales in India hit record high, with 63% YoY increase in June

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India's electric vehicle market achieved a significant milestone in June 2026, accounting for over 12% of total vehicle retail sales for the first time. This growth, driven by strong demand across electric two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles, saw overall EV retail sales surge by 63% year-on-year to a record 306,220 units, indicating a mainstream shift in mobility.

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Can VinFast Sustain Its Blistering India Start?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

VinFast has gone from an unknown brand to India's fifth-largest EV carmaker in just seven months, but its toughest battle is only beginning.

Before Peddi, 10 Movies Slammed For Misogyny

Before Peddi, 10 Movies Slammed For Misogyny

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

From Baahubali to Peddi, these blockbuster South Indian films drew criticism for romanticising toxic masculinity and reducing their female leads to objects of desire.

Two- and Three-wheeler EV Startups Petition PM For PLI Scheme Inclusion

Two- and Three-wheeler EV Startups Petition PM For PLI Scheme Inclusion

Rediff.com25 May 2026

India's home-grown EV startups say the government's auto PLI scheme is helping big players while shutting out innovators building electric two- and three-wheelers from scratch.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

Electric vehicle retail sales zoom in Jan

Electric vehicle retail sales zoom in Jan

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

India's electric vehicle (EV) markets expanded gains in January compared to the year-ago period, as two-wheeler and passenger vehicle sales triggered a shuffle in the competitive landscape, data from an automobile dealers' association showed.

Knife-wielding US man hijacks plane, shot dead by passenger

Knife-wielding US man hijacks plane, shot dead by passenger

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The incident occurred mid-air on a flight bound for San Pedro, when the 49-year-old suspect started attacking passengers with a knife.

10 Iranian Films You Should Watch On OTT

10 Iranian Films You Should Watch On OTT

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Will these brilliant Iranian filmmakers reflect the turmoil in their country?

Strong demand boosts January sales of automakers

Strong demand boosts January sales of automakers

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai Motor India posted higher sales in January riding on the growth momentum ushered in by the GST reforms in the festive period last year.

Drive Review: 2026 Tata Punch.ev is no longer just a city car

Drive Review: 2026 Tata Punch.ev is no longer just a city car

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the 40kWh battery and 65kW faster charging, it is now a legitimate primary car for a small family that can handle weekend trips easily, says Rajesh Karkera.

Hero expects EV biz to break even with 30K monthly sales

Hero expects EV biz to break even with 30K monthly sales

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Hero MotoCorp is expecting its electric vehicle (EV) business to break even once it reaches monthly sales volumes of 25,000 to 30,000 units, which is a couple of years away, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Vivek Anand said on Tuesday. "This year, in 2024-25 (FY25), if I really look at my EV performance, our volumes have grown by 200 per cent," Anand told analysts during the company's post-results conference call.