Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Smit Machchhar’s Podcast Resonates After FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by another pilot during a FlyDubai flight.
He was badly injured while the airplane was flying high above the ground.
A dentist who was traveling as a passenger helped treat him.
Other passengers worked together to restrain the attacker.
Machchhar had once spoken on a podcast about how cabin crew can save lives during emergencies.
His old words became widely noticed after he needed help on his own flight.
The captain also opened the cockpit door so others could assist.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar was later reported to be stable.
FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed inside the cockpit of flight FZ1073 on September 30.
An old podcast resurfaced in which Machchhar emphasized cabin crew’s importance during emergencies.
Machchhar suffered multiple injuries and heavy blood loss, with his condition deteriorating at 35,000 feet.
A dentist, passengers, and other aviation personnel helped treat Machchhar and restrain the attacker.
Flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar was hospitalized in stable condition.
- Who
- FlyDubai Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by a fellow pilot; passengers, a dentist, and other aviation personnel assisted him.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed inside the cockpit of flight FZ1073 and suffered serious injuries and blood loss.
- When
- The attack occurred on September 30, during a Wednesday flight, according to the article.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv; the aircraft later landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The article does not state why the fellow pilot attacked Machchhar; his old podcast resurfaced because it discussed how crew and others can help during in-flight emergencies.
- Flight
- FlyDubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident
- Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed inside the cockpit by a fellow pilot
- Altitude
- The emergency unfolded at 35,000 feet
- Medical assistance
- Dr Shota Mosaev, a dentist traveling on the aircraft, treated Machchhar
- Passenger response
- Passengers restrained the attacker using a headphone cord and plastic zip ties
- Landing
- The aircraft diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Captain’s condition
- Machchhar was hospitalized and later reported to be stable