On September 28, 2026, flydubai Flight FZ 1073, a Boeing 737‑800 carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, was hijacked en‑route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the attack, co‑pilot Ajay Sharma attempted to sabotage the aircraft’s systems, forcing Captain Smit Machchhar to wrestle him to the ground. The struggle left the cockpit in chaos, with the plane plummeting 17,400 feet in under two minutes before a cabin crew member and a passenger entered the cockpit and subdued Sharma.
Captain Machchhar, who had previously spoken on a podcast about having a doctor on board to handle medical emergencies, said the crew’s training had saved the aircraft’s life. "They’re trained to help," he told the podcast. "I’m not saying they can perform surgeries, but they can save your life." He added that a safe landing, not a smooth one, was his priority.
The aircraft diverted to Jeddah International Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed without incident. All 174 passengers, including children, were unharmed. The pilot sustained a stab wound to his chest but remained conscious throughout the ordeal.
Flydubai released a statement saying the investigation is underway and that authorities in Dubai and Saudi Arabia are interviewing witnesses. The co‑pilot was detained by Saudi security forces and is awaiting extradition to the UAE for trial. The incident has prompted a review of cockpit security protocols across the airline.
The International Civil Aviation Organization has called for tighter security measures, and the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a briefing on pilot safety. The investigation is expected to conclude within 30 days, with a report to be filed with the UAE aviation authorities.