Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Stabbed Flydubai Captain Machchhar Airlifted to Abu Dhabi
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the flight, his co-pilot stabbed him in the cockpit.
Even though he was badly hurt, Machchhar opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped stop the co-pilot.
Other pilots aboard took control, and the plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 people aboard.
Machchhar first received care in Tabuk and was later taken to Abu Dhabi for more treatment.
The Indian Embassy said he was recovering well.
Authorities are investigating what happened.
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely; two off-duty pilots took control.
After initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for specialised medical care.
The Indian Embassy said he was in good health and recovering well; regional authorities were investigating the incident.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers and crew aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed during a cockpit attack; passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, and the plane landed safely.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, 2026; the transfer to Abu Dhabi was reported on October 1.
- Where
- The flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The aircraft diverted after the cockpit emergency; authorities were investigating the attack and its motive.
Reported Allegations
Investigation Status
The co-pilot's alleged intent
Reported Allegations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preliminary information indicated the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and was suicidal and attempting to crash the aircraft.
Investigation Status
Other reports said authorities were still investigating the incident and had not established a motive.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737; one report identifies it as a Boeing 737 MAX 8
- People aboard
- 174
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Medical transfer
- Machchhar was initially treated in Tabuk and then transferred to Abu Dhabi
- Health update
- The Indian Embassy in the UAE said he was in good health and recovering well
- Investigation
- Authorities in the region were investigating; the motive had not been established in reports
- Aviation experience
- More than 13 years in commercial aviation and nearly 9,750 flying hours, according to reports
Sources
Captain Smit Machchhar is 'in good health and recovering well': Indian embassy
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced treatment after being stabbed by co-pilot on Dubai-Tel A
Capt Smit Machchhar under excellent medical care, recovering well: Indian Embassy in UAE
Flydubai cockpit violence: Indian Capt Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical treatment
Captain Machchhar is 'in good health and recovering well': Indian Embassy in UAE
'In Good Health and Recovering Well': Indian Envoy Deepak Mittal Visits Flydubai Pilot Capt Smit Machchhar at UAE Hospital
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar airlifted to Abu Dhabi for advanced medical care
