On 1 October 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co‑pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 as it crossed the Gulf from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The assailant allegedly forced the aircraft toward a crash, but Machchhar managed to subdue him, squawked 7700, and kept the 174 passengers safe.
Dhawal Patel, a former training partner from Mainland Air in New Zealand, said in an NDTV interview that Machchhar was known for his “plan B and plan C” mindset and that his presence of mind “was commendable” during the ordeal.
The 30‑something pilot has 13 years of commercial flying experience, has flown for Flydubai since 2022, and previously served SpiceJet. He earned a reputation as a calm, soft‑spoken trainer before the attack.
After the attack, the plane landed at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar was immediately operated on. The injured captain was then airlifted to the UAE for further treatment and is currently in stable condition.
Flydubai and Saudi aviation authorities have opened a criminal inquiry; the co‑pilot has been detained and is facing charges of attempted murder and sabotage. The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has pledged full cooperation, while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a “Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award” for the pilot’s bravery.
Passengers on board, who had no idea of the danger, were shaken but unharmed; the incident has prompted a review of cockpit security protocols across the airline. The next major development will be the court hearing for the co‑pilot, scheduled for mid‑November, and the award ceremony for Machchhar, slated for late December.