Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Captain Smit Machchhar Praised After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when one pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar.
Machchhar was badly hurt but managed to unlock the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then entered and helped stop the attacker.
Reports say an Israeli passenger also helped pull the plane out of a steep dive, though accounts differ about his actions.
Other Flydubai pilots who were on board took control of the aircraft.
They diverted it to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
Machchhar was treated in hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Officials are investigating, and the reason for the attack has not been established.
Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the attacker.
Passenger Yaniv Hayoun reportedly helped pull the aircraft out of a steep descent; accounts differ on exactly what he did.
Off-duty or reserve Flydubai pilots took control and diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Machchhar was reported in stable condition, while authorities investigated the attack and its motive remained unknown.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers, crew members, and Flydubai pilots travelling aboard the aircraft.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar during the flight; passengers and crew intervened, and other pilots took control.
- When
- Wednesday, roughly two and a half hours into the flight, according to reports.
- Where
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed after diversion at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Possible Terrorist Attack
Motive Not Established
Suspected motive
Possible Terrorist Attack
Some Israeli officials described the incident as a possible jihadist or terrorist attack, and authorities are examining whether it involved terrorist intent.
Motive Not Established
Flydubai said the motive was unknown, and Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who was behind the incident or whether Iran was involved.
How the aircraft was saved
Possible Terrorist Attack
Accounts credit Machchhar's resistance and his opening of the cockpit door with enabling others to intervene.
Motive Not Established
Other accounts emphasize the roles of passengers and cabin crew, the passenger who reportedly handled the controls, and the reserve pilots who stabilized and landed the aircraft.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv; diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737 MAX 8, according to reports
- Passenger count
- Reports vary, citing 174 or 184 passengers
- Descent
- Reports describe a drop of roughly 14,000 to 17,000 feet in about a minute; figures and timing vary
- Captain's condition
- Machchhar was hospitalized in Tabuk and reported to be stable
- Investigation
- UAE and Saudi authorities are investigating; the motive has not been confirmed
- Flight status
- Flydubai said the aircraft was secured by crew travelling aboard and landed safely; reports said flights to Israel were suspended
Sources
‘Israel’s 9/11 averted’: India’s Smit Machchhar praised for preventing flydubai crash
Smit Machchhar: Indian Pilot Who Saved Flydubai FZ1073
MyVoice: Views of our readers 03th October 2026
'Fighting For His Life, He Managed To Unlock Cockpit': Netanyahu Recalls Capt Machchhar's Bravery On Flydubai Flight
Smit Machchhar: The flydubai pilot who became a hero of the skies, fighting back at 30,000 feet
What saved the Flydubai plane: Smit Machchhar, fliers’ actions, and sheer luck
