Archive · 2 Oct 2026
India Monitors Hero Pilot’s Recovery After Mid-Air Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
His co-pilot allegedly stabbed him while the plane was in the air.
Even though he was hurt, Machchhar helped keep the plane safe.
The plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 passengers aboard.
Machchhar first received treatment in Tabuk.
He was then moved to Abu Dhabi for more medical care.
Indian officials say he is recovering and is able to speak and smile.
Investigators are still trying to understand why the co-pilot attacked him.
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Machchhar helped save the flight’s 174 passengers before it made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
After initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care and recovery.
Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal said Machchhar was healthy, recovering well, and receiving good medical treatment.
The UAE-led investigation is examining terrorism, mental disorder, and other possible motives for the attack.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian Flydubai pilot, was attacked by his Omani co-pilot while flying the aircraft.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed during the flight but helped avert a disaster and land the aircraft safely.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; Indian officials provided an update on Machchhar’s recovery on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The reason for the attack remains under investigation, with authorities examining terrorism, mental disorder, and other possible explanations.
Terrorism Possibility
Alternative Explanations
Possible motive for the attack
Terrorism Possibility
Israeli sources and authorities are examining whether the co-pilot attempted a jihadist terror attack against Israel and the UAE, possibly intending to crash the aircraft.
Alternative Explanations
Officials have not established a motive and are also investigating mental disorders and other possible explanations; no scenario has been ruled out.
Evidence of outside involvement
Terrorism Possibility
Israeli intelligence and security officials reportedly assisted the investigation, and Israel was involved in questioning the suspect.
Alternative Explanations
Authorities said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved, and the investigation includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Oman, and Israel.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- 174 people
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Current treatment
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar
- Investigation
- The UAE is leading an inquiry into the attack and possible terrorism links
