Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Stable After Cockpit Stabbing
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
His co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife inside the cockpit.
The plane quickly lost a large amount of altitude.
Even though he was hurt, Machchhar opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped overpower the co-pilot.
Other Flydubai pilots on board helped land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
The passengers later reached Israel safely.
The Indian Embassy said Machchhar was stable and being treated in Tabuk.
Another report said he was being moved to Dubai for medical care.
Saudi authorities are investigating what happened.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight carried 174 people and reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot.
The aircraft landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and passengers later reached Israel safely.
The Indian Embassy said Machchhar was stable and receiving treatment in Tabuk, while another report said he was being airlifted to Dubai.
- Who
- Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was injured by his co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national; 174 people were aboard.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed while reportedly foiling an alleged attempt by the co-pilot to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073.
- When
- The cockpit incident occurred on Wednesday, and the Indian Embassy issued its health update on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; reports differed over whether Machchhar remained there or was transferred to Dubai.
- Why
- Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and helping prevent a crash.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174
- Reported condition
- Stable, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh
- Treatment
- The embassy said Machchhar was receiving treatment in Tabuk; another report said he was being airlifted to Dubai
- Investigation
- Saudi authorities are investigating the incident
Sources
Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar stable, receives treatment in Saudi Arabia, says Indian embassy
Captain Smit Machchhar health update: Flydubai hero pilot stable, undergoing treatment at Saudi hospital
Hero flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Airlifted From Saudi Arabia To Dubai
