On 30 September 2026, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar stopped a hijack attempt aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, a Dubai‑Tel Aviv service carrying 174 passengers, after a co‑pilot allegedly tried to seize control. The pilot was seriously injured, but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co‑pilot and preventing a potential hijack. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, and all passengers later reached Israel safely.
Smit Machchhar suffered serious injuries during the incident but recovered enough to give testimony. At the NDTV World Summit, BAPS monk Brahmavihari Swami praised the pilot, saying he "represents the essence of humanity" and that his bravery could have averted a wider conflict. The monk also promised prayers for Machchhar and a special ceremony at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
The incident also caught the attention of Israeli leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after consulting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invited Machchhar to light a torch alongside a brave Indian pilot during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations. President Isaac Herzog offered him a Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, underscoring the international recognition of his courage.
Passengers have recounted the tension. A 48‑year‑old woman described the cockpit as "a scene from a thriller" before the pilot regained control, while a security consultant said seeing Machchhar’s calm under pressure was "inspiring and humbling." These personal accounts highlight the human impact of the pilot’s actions.
Machchhar is currently receiving treatment in a UAE hospital and is expected to recover fully by early next month. A special ceremony at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will honour him and his family once he can travel to the Gulf, fulfilling promises made by both religious and political leaders.