An Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, has been praised after a violent cockpit incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.
The Boeing 737 flight was carrying 174 passengers when a confrontation involving the two pilots reportedly broke out in the cockpit. According to Israeli officials and AP, the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and apparently attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. The aircraft then went into a rapid descent before passengers and crew intervened.
The flight was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. All people onboard were safe, while Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh later said he was in stable condition.
Who Is Smit Machchhar?
Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot who was serving as captain on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar previously worked for Indian airline SpiceJet for more than 11 years before joining Flydubai. He was identified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Indian captain involved in the September 30 cockpit incident.
His identity became widely known after reports emerged that he was injured during the confrontation but continued to resist and helped create an opportunity for passengers and crew to intervene. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabi confirmed that Machchhar was receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Tabuk and said he was stable.
Key facts about Smit Machchhar:
- Joined SpiceJet in June 2011
- Worked there for around 11 years
- Joined Flydubai in June 2022
- Reported to have around 9,750 flying hours
- Has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience
What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when a serious incident developed inside the cockpit.
The co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, and the aircraft subsequently plunged by nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Israeli officials said the co-pilot appeared to be attempting to crash the aircraft.
Passengers and crew members then intervened. According to reports, Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacking pilot. Two additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers also helped take control of the aircraft.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Tabuk
After the cockpit emergency, Flydubai FZ1073 made an emergency landing at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft’s diversion followed its rapid descent and the struggle inside the cockpit. Saudi authorities launched an investigation into the incident, while both injured pilots were taken for medical treatment. The passengers were later transported onward to Israel on another Flydubai aircraft.
The emergency landing brought the immediate crisis to an end, with all passengers surviving the incident.
What Happened to Smit Machchhar?
Following the emergency landing, Captain Smit Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said that Machchhar was stable and that Indian diplomatic missions were monitoring his condition and remaining in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
Machchhar underwent surgery following the incident and was stable. Machchhar underwent surgery and was reported to be in stable condition.
Who Was the Flydubai Co-Pilot?
Israeli officials reported that the co-pilot involved in the incident was an Omani national.
Saudi authorities arrested and questioned the suspect following the emergency landing.
However, the motive behind the confrontation has not been officially established.
This distinction is important because some early reports described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, while other official statements have used more cautious language. Flydubai itself has warned against premature speculation while the investigation continues.
Was the Flydubai Incident a Terrorist Attack? What We Know So Far
The circumstances and motive remain under investigation. Israeli officials described the incident as a serious security event and alleged that the co-pilot appeared to be attempting to crash the aircraft. Israel’s defence minister separately described it as a terrorist attack attempt. However, those characterisations should be attributed to the officials who made them rather than presented as a final investigative finding.
The reason for the altercation remained unclear, and Flydubai had cautioned against speculation. Therefore, at this stage, the safest factual description is a serious cockpit attack and aviation security incident under investigation.
Why Is Smit Machchhar Being Called a Hero?
Smit Machchhar has received public praise because of his actions after he was injured during the cockpit confrontation. The praise also extends to the passengers and crew members who entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Indian captain and said his actions helped prevent a catastrophe involving the 174 people aboard the aircraft. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar’s courage, saying his actions helped avert a major tragedy.
Importantly, the safe outcome was a collective effort involving the injured captain, passengers, crew members, and other qualified pilots travelling on the aircraft.
What Happened to the 174 Passengers?
All 174 passengers aboard Flydubai FZ1073 survived the incident. Passengers eventually reached Israel on another flight after the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The passengers included Israeli nationals and people of other nationalities.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
Following the incident, Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations were underway. The airline said passengers and crew were safe and that the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident remained under investigation. The incident has therefore triggered both an aviation investigation and heightened attention around flight security on the Dubai-Israel route.
What Happens Next?
Saudi authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the Flydubai cockpit incident, including the confrontation between the two pilots and the events that led to the aircraft’s rapid descent and emergency landing.
The exact motive behind the attack has not been established publicly. Further findings from the Saudi investigation and other authorities could provide more information about what happened inside the cockpit and why.
For now, the confirmed sequence is clear: Flydubai FZ1073 left Dubai for Tel Aviv, a violent cockpit incident occurred, the aircraft rapidly descended, passengers and crew intervened, the plane diverted to Tabuk, and all onboarded people survived.
The Key Takeaway
Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, was injured during a cockpit confrontation on September 30, 2026. Despite the attack, passengers and crew were able to intervene.
Reuters reports that two additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk.
Machchhar is recovering in hospital and has been publicly praised by Indian and Israeli leaders. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities and other relevant agencies continue to investigate the incident and its motive.
