Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Captain Smit Machchhar Recovers After FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
A FlyDubai airplane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the flight, the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar.
The plane then dropped more than 14,000 feet.
Even though he was hurt, Machchhar opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members were able to help.
Another team of pilots took control of the airplane.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi, and a UAE investigation is underway.
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi after being injured during an alleged cockpit attack.
Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft rapidly descended more than 14,000 feet during the incident.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
A second pilot team took control, and the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with 174 people aboard.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers, crew members, and a second team of pilots were involved.
- What
- A co-pilot attacked Machchhar aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073, causing a rapid descent before the aircraft was brought under control.
- When
- During the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The reported reason for the co-pilot's attack is not stated; a UAE probe is underway.
- Flight
- FlyDubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174
- Injured pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar
- Descent
- More than 14,000 feet
- Landing location
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation
- A UAE probe is underway