Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Injured Flydubai Pilot Shifted to Abu Dhabi for Recovery
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot reportedly stabbed him.
The plane began facing a serious emergency while carrying 174 people.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door so other people could help control the situation.
Two reserve Flydubai pilots eventually helped land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar received initial treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said he was later moved to Abu Dhabi for further care.
Earlier reports said his operation was completed and that he was stable.
His parents travelled from Mumbai to see him, but authorities had reportedly not yet allowed them to meet him.
His neighbours said they were proud of his actions but worried about his recovery.
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
After receiving initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and recovery.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the incident.
Reports said Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling others to restrain the co-pilot and help stabilize the plane.
His parents travelled from Mumbai toward Saudi Arabia but had reportedly not yet been allowed to visit him because of protocols and security concerns.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers and reserve Flydubai pilots aboard flight FZ1073; his parents and Ghatkopar MLA Parag Shah also provided updates.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed during the flight and helped others regain control of the aircraft before it diverted to Saudi Arabia; he was later moved to Abu Dhabi for medical care.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, with medical and family updates reported on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar was later shifted to Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The aircraft made an emergency landing after the stabbing and reported attempt by the co-pilot to bring down the plane.
Public Praise
Family Concern
How Machchhar’s actions are viewed
Public Praise
Neighbours and political leaders praised Machchhar as a hero for helping protect all 174 people aboard the aircraft.
Family Concern
His family and neighbours remained focused on his injuries and said they would feel reassured only after receiving clearer medical news and meeting him.
Assessment of his condition
Public Praise
Earlier reports said his operation was complete and that he was stable.
Family Concern
The Ministry of External Affairs said he was moved to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery, while his parents had reportedly not yet been allowed to see him.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Current treatment
- Machchhar was shifted from Tabuk to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and recovery
- Family update
- His parents travelled from Mumbai but were reportedly waiting to meet him
- Previous airline
- SpiceJet
