Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Saves Flydubai Flight to Israel After Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacks Him With Knife
New Delhi, 30th September 2026: An Indian-origin pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was injured after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Passengers and other crew members intervened after the aircraft went into a rapid descent, while another pilot on board subsequently helped operate the aircraft.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073, carrying around 180 passengers, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely following the incident. Both pilots were taken to hospital after the aircraft landed.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot, who was identified as an Omani national, allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a serious security event and said the co-pilot appeared to have intended to crash the aircraft. The motive has not been independently established, and investigations are continuing.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu tweeted, “My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero.”
Passengers Help Subdue Alleged Attacker
The aircraft issued emergency signals during the incident, including a code indicating possible unlawful interference. Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft went into a sharp descent before stabilising. Reuters reported that the aircraft lost nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew members then intervened. According to accounts reported by international media, a passenger and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit and subdue the alleged attacker.
The aircraft also had additional pilots on board, one of whom subsequently helped take control of the flight and land it safely in Tabuk.
Passengers described scenes of panic during the incident, with some reporting that they feared the aircraft would crash. After the aircraft landed safely, passengers reportedly applauded and cheered.
An Israeli official said authorities were investigating whether the incident was an attempted terror attack. Israeli authorities have not established a final motive, and Flydubai has urged against speculation while the investigation is underway.
Indian Pilot’s Aviation Career
Machchhar has been identified in Indian and international media reports as the captain of the flight. He has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and has flown Boeing 737 aircraft.
Before joining Flydubai in June 2022, Machchhar worked with SpiceJet for more than 11 years. Reports citing his professional profile say he accumulated more than 9,500 flight hours with SpiceJet, including more than 6,400 hours as pilot-in-command. He also worked in pilot training and mentoring roles.
Netanyahu Praises Passengers And Crew
Netanyahu praised the captain, passengers and crew members who helped prevent the situation from escalating.
He described the incident as a highly serious security event and said Saudi authorities were questioning the suspected attacker. Israel also deployed fighter jets after the emergency signals were received, amid concerns that the aircraft could have been hijacked.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Investigations by the relevant authorities are continuing to establish what led to the confrontation between the two pilots and whether the incident was deliberate.
