Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot flying a flydubai jet carrying 174 people on September 30, fought off a knife attack by his co-pilot mid-air and managed to open the cockpit door while seriously injured, according to Israeli officials. The Boeing 737, which was en route from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the struggle before two flydubai pilots travelling as passengers landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Global Leaders Praise Machchhar’s Bravery
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar on X, writing that he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a true hero who fought back against a knife attack, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. US President Donald Trump also remarked at the Oval Office that the pilot was in very bad shape but had the amazing sense to act as a hero.
From Textile Engineering to Aviation Career
Machchhar, a veteran with nearly 9,750 flying hours over a career spanning about 15 years, did not dream of aviation as a child, instead studying textile engineering to join his family business in Mumbai. He discovered flying at age 19 during an aviation seminar at Mumbai’s Welingkar Institute of Management, training in New Zealand before spending 11 years with SpiceJet as a line training captain and joining flydubai in 2022.
Investigation and Hospital Recovery
Machchhar underwent surgery at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the Indian Embassy stated he was in a stable condition and receiving necessary medical attention. flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the underlying reasons for the incident, which Netanyahu termed a highly severe security incident involving interrogation of the co-pilot by Saudi authorities.
Co-pilot knife attack forces flight diversion after altitude drop
What caused the flydubai flight to divert?
Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a knife mid-air, causing the aircraft to drop nearly 14,000 feet.
How many people were on board the aircraft?
A total of 174 people were on board the Boeing 737 jet traveling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel.
Who landed the plane safely?
Two flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers on the flight stepped in to land the aircraft in Tabuk after passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot.
What is Captain Machchhar’s current condition?
According to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Machchhar underwent surgery after the attack and is in a stable condition in a Tabuk hospital.
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