An Indian pilot was severely injured and hospitalized in Saudi Arabia after subduing a co-pilot who launched a mid-air attack on a flydubai flight carrying more than 170 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, October 1, 2026. Captain Smit Machchhar sustained massive blood loss and head and hand injuries during the cockpit struggle before passengers and reserve crew intervened to safely divert the Boeing 737 MAX to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Cockpit Attack Forces 14,000-Foot Dive Toward the Ground
The conflict began roughly two and a half hours into flydubai flight FZ1073, when the co-pilot—an Omani citizen whose identity has not been publicly released—stabbed Captain Machchhar with a knife. The sudden violence caused the aircraft to plunge nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) in under 30 seconds, triggering emergency code 7500 for unlawful interference. During the steep descent, Machchhar collapsed near the cockpit door but managed to press the mechanism to unlock it before losing consciousness.
Meanwhile, flydubai announced that the incident remains under investigation and the exact motive is still unknown. The Omani pilot is currently being interrogated by Saudi authorities.
Passenger Yaniv Hayun, an Israeli plumber traveling on the flight, recounted that he rushed into the cockpit after the door opened, placed the attacker in a chokehold, and pulled him out. Other passengers, including Zvika Menesse, bound the attacker with zip ties and headphone cords. The rapid descent tore off part of the aircraft’s tail vertical stabilizer.
Emergency Treatment and Safe Landing in Saudi Arabia
Shota Musaev, an Israeli dentist of Georgian descent and the only medical professional on board, administered first aid to Captain Machchhar in the cabin. Musaev told CNN that Machchhar suffered severe bleeding from his head and hands, his blood pressure plummeted, and he momentarily lost consciousness as the flight approached the airport. Musaev stopped the bleeding and stabilized him, though bleeding resumed during landing.
Two reserve flydubai pilots who were traveling as passengers—one identified by The Guardian as British and Israeli media outlets suggesting others, though Russian authorities denied Russian citizens were involved—took over the controls. They landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Although Israel and Saudi Arabia lack formal diplomatic relations and previously restricted airspace usage, Saudi authorities provided food and shelter to the Israeli passengers before they returned to Tel Aviv on a replacement flydubai aircraft.
Global Praise and Honors for the Crew and Passengers
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar on X as a “hero” who demonstrated immense courage and unwavering determination to protect lives. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Machchhar’s bravery prevented a catastrophe comparable to the September 11 attacks, saving 174 lives. Israeli President Isaac Herzog intends to award high civil honors to the four Israeli passengers who neutralized the attacker.
Machchhar underwent surgery at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, where the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed he remains in a stable condition. Neighbors and former instructors in India and New Zealand described him to CNN as a gentle, hardworking family man and aviator who previously flew for SpiceJet for 11 years before joining flydubai.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flydubai Incident
Who was flying the plane after the captain was injured?
Two reserve flydubai pilots who were on board as passengers took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passenger Yaniv Hayun also briefly handled controls during the initial emergency.
What happened to the co-pilot who launched the attack?
Passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, using zip ties and headphone cords after he was pulled from the cockpit. He is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation by Saudi authorities.
Why did the flight land in Saudi Arabia?
The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the cockpit struggle and emergency descent. Passengers were later flown back to Tel Aviv on a replacement flydubai aircraft.
What is the medical status of Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Machchhar underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia for severe head and hand stab wounds and massive blood loss. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that he is currently in a stable condition.
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