Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Indian Celebrities Praise Captain After Alleged flydubai Cockpit Attack
A flydubai plane was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people onboard.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and tried to crash the plane.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was hurt but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members then overpowered the co-pilot.
Two pilots who were traveling as passengers helped land the plane.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar is recovering in a hospital there.
Several Indian actors and public figures praised him for his courage.
Captain Smit Machchhar was praised after allegedly fighting off a co-pilot during a flydubai flight.
The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carried 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the captain is recovering in a hospital.
R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda, Paresh Rawal, and Ravi Kishan publicly praised Machchhar’s bravery.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers, crew members, and two off-duty pilots were involved; Indian celebrities praised Machchhar.
- What
- A flydubai captain allegedly fought off a co-pilot who reportedly attacked him and tried to crash the aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before being diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The aircraft was diverted after the alleged cockpit attack, allowing the injured captain to receive hospital treatment.
- Airline
- flydubai
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People onboard
- 174 passengers and crew, including 27 children
- Reported incident
- The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane.
- Diversion location
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Captain’s condition
- Smit Machchhar is recovering in a hospital.
- Public reaction
- R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda, Paresh Rawal, and Ravi Kishan praised the captain.