Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Celebrities and Leaders Praise Captain Smit Machchhar’s Courage
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an alleged fight broke out in the cockpit.
Captain Smit Machchhar was badly hurt.
Reports say he managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and crew could help.
The plane dropped quickly, though reports disagree about how far and how fast.
People on board restrained the co-pilot, and the flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The plane had 174 passengers, including 27 children, according to several reports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and many actors praised Machchhar and others who helped.
Reports differ on whether he was still in Tabuk or had been moved to Abu Dhabi for treatment.
The attacker’s motive and any possible wider involvement have not been established in the articles.
Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured in an alleged cockpit attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Reports say the aircraft made a rapid descent; accounts differ on the amount, citing nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds or more than 17,000 feet.
Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the co-pilot.
The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely; reports say it carried 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Indian and Israeli leaders, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and other public figures praised the pilot and rescuers; Machchhar is receiving treatment, with reports placing him in Tabuk or Abu Dhabi.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers and crew aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack and rapid aircraft descent were followed by intervention, diversion and a safe landing.
- When
- The incident was reported on Wednesday, September 30; public tributes and updates followed.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The alleged attack’s motive has not been established; Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.
Accounts and public claims
Disputed or unresolved details
Scale of the descent
Accounts and public claims
Some reports say the flight dropped more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet.
Disputed or unresolved details
Other reporting cites a descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds; the supplied accounts do not reconcile the figures.
Possible Iranian involvement
Accounts and public claims
Netanyahu said Iran and its proxies seek to target Israelis and that investigators would look into possible links or accomplices.
Disputed or unresolved details
Netanyahu said it was too early to say whether Iran was involved, and the articles say the attacker’s motive remains under investigation.
Who intervened and how
Accounts and public claims
Netanyahu credited Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun with entering the cockpit and helping regain control; other reports emphasize Machchhar, passengers and crew acting together.
Disputed or unresolved details
Flydubai said on-duty crew traveling on the flight secured the aircraft; the articles vary in which participants and actions they describe.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- Reported as 174 passengers, including 27 children; one account describes 174 passengers and crew.
- Reported descent
- Accounts differ: nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, or more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet.
- Diversion
- The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
- Intervention
- Reports say Machchhar opened the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew intervened and restrained the co-pilot.
- Medical care
- Reports place Machchhar in treatment in Tabuk or say he was later moved to Abu Dhabi; an Indian Embassy update said he was recovering under medical care in the UAE.
- Public response
- Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu and numerous Indian celebrities praised Machchhar and others who helped.
Sources
'Captain Courageous': SRK, Salman, Ranveer & Other Stars Salute Smit Machchhar
‘Unbelievable Courage’: Israeli PM Netanyahu Hails Flydubai Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar, Says Averted Another ‘Another 9/11’
'True Display Of Courage': Shah Rukh Khan Lauds Captain Smit Machchhar For Putting His Safety On Line During Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Celebs Hail Captain Smit Machchhar’s Bravery After Flydubai Mid-Air Incident
Shah Rukh Khan praises flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar - ‘True display of courage and duty’ - Telegraph India
Modi calls Captain Machchhar, hails his bravery in averting disaster
Shah Rukh Khan Salutes Captain Smit Machchhar After flydubai Incident: 'You Stood Strong When It Mattered Most'
"Indian Prevented 9/11-Style Attack": PM Modi's Big Praise For Hero Pilot
Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor And Other Celebs Laud 'Courageous' Captain Smit Machchhar After Cockpit Attack
Smit Machchhar lauded for courage: Ranveer Singh, Vijay Deverakonda and other celebs wish Flydubai pilot speedy recovery
Shah Rukh Khan praises 'brave heart' FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar; Indian embassy shares update on his health
'An Indian Prevented 9/11-Like Tragedy': PM Modi Lauds Capt Machchhar Who Saved Lives On Flydubai Flight
