Archive · 3 Oct 2026
IAF Chief Praises Flydubai Captain After Cockpit Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot attacked him.
Even though he was badly hurt, he opened the cockpit door.
Passengers came in and stopped the co-pilot.
Another crew member helped care for the captain until the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
The plane was carrying 174 people and was diverted to Tabuk.
Machchhar had surgery and was later taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
India’s air force chief praised his bravery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with him by video call.
Machchhar said his faith helped him find the courage to act.
Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh called Captain Smit Machchhar’s actions “exceptionally brave.”
Machchhar was flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on October 1 when his co-pilot attacked him.
Despite suffering multiple stab wounds, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the co-pilot.
The Boeing 737, carrying 174 people, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; crew member Shota Musayev helped treat Machchhar’s bleeding.
Machchhar underwent surgery in Tabuk and was taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi; he later spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by video call.
- Who
- Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers and crew; Air Chief Marshal AP Singh praised Machchhar.
- What
- Machchhar was attacked in the cockpit, opened the door despite being wounded, and passengers subdued the co-pilot.
- When
- Wednesday, October 1; Machchhar spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by video call on Friday, October 2.
- Where
- On Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar was later taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The articles describe the attack but do not state why the co-pilot attacked Machchhar.
Captain’s account
Officials’ praise
How the response is characterized
Captain’s account
Machchhar said his faith gave him courage and that his experience as a captain helped him understand what was happening during the flight.
Officials’ praise
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh called Machchhar’s actions exceptionally brave and said they showed physical and mental resolve; Narendra Modi said they helped save lives and avert a great tragedy.
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073, a Boeing 737
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Date of attack
- Wednesday, October 1
- People on board
- 174
- Diversion
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Captain’s treatment
- Surgery after landing in Tabuk, then transfer to a hospital in Abu Dhabi
- Crew assistance
- Shota Musayev used blankets, oxygen and available equipment to help control Machchhar’s bleeding