Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Fadnavis hails injured Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage after flight attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Reports say his co-pilot attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit.
Machchhar was badly hurt and lost a lot of blood.
Even so, he reportedly helped handle the emergency and protect the people on the plane.
An Israeli doctor travelling as a passenger reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Machchhar’s courage after meeting his uncle and aunt.
People also gathered outside Machchhar’s Mumbai home to show support.
Machchhar is receiving medical care in Saudi Arabia and was reported to be out of danger.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Captain Smit Machchhar’s uncle and aunt on Thursday.
Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Despite serious injuries and blood loss, Machchhar reportedly helped manage the emergency and protect passengers.
An Israeli doctor travelling as a passenger reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker.
Machchhar is receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia and was reported by BJP MLA Parag Shah to be out of danger.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, the passengers, an Israeli doctor, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP MLA Parag Shah.
- What
- Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight and helped manage the resulting emergency despite serious injuries.
- When
- The reported attack occurred on Wednesday; Fadnavis met Machchhar’s relatives and praised him on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Where
- The incident reportedly occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv; Machchhar is receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Fadnavis praised Machchhar because reports said he showed courage, presence of mind and responsibility while helping protect those on board.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Reported attack
- Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot inside the cockpit
- People aboard
- The aircraft was reportedly carrying around 174 people
- Reported assistance
- An Israeli doctor travelling as a passenger reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker
- Medical status
- Machchhar is being treated in Saudi Arabia and was reported by BJP MLA Parag Shah to be out of danger
- Public response
- Citizens gathered outside Machchhar’s Mumbai residence with flags and photographs to honour him
