Sri Vijaya Puram, October 1: An Indian pilot has been hailed for his courage and presence of mind after a violent cockpit incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv left the aircraft in a rapid descent before passengers and crew intervened, averting what Israeli officials described as a potentially catastrophic mid-air disaster.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian commander of Flydubai flight FZ1073, was reportedly attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot during the flight on September 30. Despite being wounded, Machchhar is reported to have continued efforts to safeguard the aircraft and its passengers, eventually enabling crew members and passengers to overpower the attacker.
The Boeing 737, carrying 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Machchhar for his actions, saying the Indian pilot’s response helped prevent what could have become a major aviation tragedy.
In a statement, Netanyahu described Machchhar’s actions as “extraordinary bravery” and said the pilot had been seriously wounded but continued to resist the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled others to enter and subdue the assailant.
According to Netanyahu, Machchhar’s actions helped save the lives of all 174 people aboard the aircraft. He later said the incident could have resulted in a tragedy comparable to the September 11 attacks.
The aircraft was operating Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when the incident occurred. According to flight-tracking data cited in reports, the aircraft lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before emergency signals were transmitted.
Netanyahu said the aircraft went into a spin and began plunging as it approached Israel. An Israeli passenger and a crew member reportedly entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacking pilot while other crew members regained control of the aircraft.
Tzvika Mens, an Israeli passenger who said he was among those involved in overpowering the attacker, told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that he and two others used cords from complimentary passenger headphones to restrain the suspected assailant.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. Tabuk Airport confirmed that both pilots had been hospitalised. Flydubai said the aircraft had “experienced an incident” while en route and confirmed that all passengers were safe and accounted for.
The identity and motive of the alleged attacker, as well as the precise sequence of events inside the cockpit, remain subject to investigation. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as a “jihadist terror attack”, while Saudi authorities were reported to be questioning the suspected attacker.
The incident also prompted heightened security measures in Israel, with Netanyahu’s office saying security agencies had been placed on high alert and instructed to prepare for possible additional threats.
For India, however, the focus quickly shifted to Captain Machchhar’s role in bringing the aircraft to safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the pilot during his address at the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission in New Delhi, describing his conduct as a matter of national pride.
“In the incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage,” Modi said, referring to Netanyahu’s assessment that an Indian pilot had helped prevent a potential 9/11-style tragedy.
Modi said he had spoken to Machchhar’s parents, Bhupender and Geeta, as well as his wife, Sonal, and urged Indians to pray for his recovery.
Earlier, Modi had described Machchhar as a “hero”, saying that despite being seriously injured, he displayed “immense courage and an unwavering resolve” to protect those on board.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has also been in contact with Machchhar’s family and Saudi authorities and has been seeking updates on his medical condition. Reports said the pilot was receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk.
Machchhar’s professional background has also emerged following the incident. According to information cited from his professional profile, he joined Flydubai in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain after more than a decade with Indian carrier SpiceJet. He reportedly has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft.
Before moving to Flydubai, Machchhar held positions at SpiceJet, including line-training captain and senior commander. He joined the airline in 2011 and subsequently moved to the Dubai-based carrier.
The incident has also drawn attention to the actions of passengers and crew who intervened during the cockpit emergency. Their response, together with Machchhar’s efforts to regain control and protect those aboard, played a critical role in bringing the aircraft safely to the ground.
A replacement Flydubai aircraft was being prepared to transport passengers onward to Israel, although the departure was reportedly delayed after some passengers expressed fear about boarding another flight.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel while the incident is investigated, according to reports.
While authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack, Captain Machchhar’s conduct has emerged as the central story of the incident — with India’s Prime Minister, Israel’s Prime Minister and passengers aboard the flight publicly crediting the Indian pilot with helping prevent a far more serious disaster.
