Stabbed Flydubai Indian Captain Smit Machchhar Stable After Surgery Following Cockpit Attack

Last Updated:October 01, 2026, 00:35 IST

Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk after the aircraft made an emergency landing there.

Machchhar previously worked for Indian airline SpiceJet before joining Flydubai in 2022.

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, is stable after undergoing surgery in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli media reports.

Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk after the aircraft made an emergency landing there. The incident reportedly unfolded after the co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to bring the aircraft down.

Indian Captain Fought Off Co-Pilot

Machchhar, who has around 15 years of flying experience, reportedly fought with the co-pilot to prevent the aircraft from crashing. Israeli passengers later joined the effort and helped subdue the alleged attacker.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one of the pilots had stabbed the other and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft. He praised the passengers and crew members who intervened, saying their actions helped prevent a major disaster.

The co-pilot was reportedly arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities. His identity and the motive behind the incident have not been officially confirmed by Flydubai.

The aircraft, flight FZ1073, was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Flight-tracking data showed the plane had been flying at about 34,000 feet before losing more than 17,000 feet in less than two minutes.

Flydubai, India Extend Support

The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport, with all passengers and crew accounted for.

Flydubai said it was cooperating with authorities and urged against speculation while the incident is investigated. The airline is also in contact with Machchhar’s family and is expected to study the cockpit voice recorder before issuing further details.

Machchhar previously worked for Indian airline SpiceJet before joining Flydubai in 2022.

The government has also extended all possible support to Machchhar and has contacted the UAE and Saudi governments over the incident.

The exact circumstances and motive remain under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What happened to Flydubai Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight?

Captain Smit Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot in the cockpit during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. He fought off the attacker and later underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia, where his condition is stable.

Why did flight FZ1073 make an emergency landing in Tabuk?

The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to bring the plane down. Flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft rapidly lost altitude before landing safely with all 174 passengers and crew accounted for.

Who helped subdue the co-pilot during the cockpit attack on the Flydubai flight?

Captain Machchhar, who has roughly 15 years of flying experience, fought with the co-pilot to prevent a crash, while Israeli passengers also intervened to help subdue the alleged attacker. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the crew and passengers for preventing a major disaster.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More

Read More