Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Hailed as Hero After Surviving Cockpit Stabbing on Flydubai Flight, Israeli Officials Allege Crash Attempt

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian commercial pilot flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, was stabbed in the cockpit by his co-pilot in what Israeli officials have characterized as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft, according to The Washington Post, CNN, CNBC, and Outlook India. Machchhar, despite serious injuries and massive blood loss, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker and take control of the Boeing 737 MAX carrying more than 170 people. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition according to the Indian embassy in Riyadh. A dentist on board told CNN that Machchhar had suffered massive blood loss and lost consciousness, and that a delay of even a few more moments could have been fatal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified Machchhar by name and praised his actions.

Machchhar is a 39-year-old father of two from Mumbai who spent 11 years with SpiceJet before joining Flydubai in 2022, according to Outlook India. His background includes more than 6,400 hours as pilot-in-command and experience on the Boeing 737 MAX.

The incident affects more than 170 passengers and crew who were aboard the flight, all of whom were exposed to risk during the attack. The co-pilot's identity has not been released, and Saudi authorities are conducting an interrogation while the UAE aviation regulator is also investigating, leaving the attacker's motive uncertain.

Sources

The Washington Post, Flydubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar hailed as hero after cockpit stabbing, October 1, 2026, washingtonpost.com CNN, Captain Smit Machchhar: The 'jovial' pilot and father who thwarted the Flydubai attacker, October 1, 2026, cnn.com CNBC, Passengers and crew foil co-pilot's apparent attempt to crash FlyDubai flight to Israel, October 1, 2026, cnbc.com Outlook India, Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar? Indian Pilot At Centre Of Flydubai Flight Emergency, October 1, 2026, outlookindia.com Outlook India, Smit Machchhar Injured In Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight: What Happened Inside Flydubai FZ1073 Cockpit?, October 1, 2026, outlookindia.com