In the early hours of Wednesday, a co‑pilot stabbed the commander of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The assailant’s attempt to hijack the aircraft was thwarted by Captain Smit Machchhar, who overpowered the attacker and kept the cabin crew and passengers informed. The struggle in the cockpit forced the plane to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft landed safely and the injured captain was taken to a local hospital.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal arrived at the Tabuk hospital later that day and met with Machchhar and his family. The ambassador noted the captain’s resilience, describing him as “speaking openly, smiling and laughing” despite the brutal attack. The Embassy’s statement stressed that it remains in close coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure continued medical care.
After receiving initial treatment for a stab wound that severed a major artery, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for advanced care. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement praising his bravery and acknowledging the international support he has received. The Indian mission said it will monitor the situation closely until the pilot’s full recovery.
The incident follows a string of cockpit security breaches worldwide; in 2023, a Turkish pilot was arrested after a similar assault. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are investigating the co‑pilot’s motives, while Flydubai has pledged to review its crew screening protocols. The Dubai Airports Authority has also promised a detailed safety audit.
The investigation is set to conclude in the next 30 days, with a press briefing expected from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The legal process will determine whether the perpetrator faces charges under Saudi law and international aviation regulations.