The National Investigation Agency filed an FIR against the Omani first officer of Flydubai flight FZ1073 after he allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit on September 30, 2024.
FZ1073 left Dubai at 09:15 GST with 174 passengers and six crew, including Captain Machchhar and the Omani co‑pilot, bound for Riyadh before diverting to Tabuk.
Passengers and crew reported the co‑pilot struck the captain with a knife, inflicting deep cuts to his head and hands. They overpowered the assailant and other pilots took control, landing safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport at 10:45 GST. Saudi authorities arrested the co‑pilot after the emergency landing.
The FIR cites Section 3 of the Anti‑Hijacking Act, 2016, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, while the NIA Act, 2008, empowers the agency to investigate. The Centre invoked subsections (5) and (8) of Section 6 and Section 8 of the NIA Act to register the case.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Captain Machchhar, who underwent surgery in Abu Dhabi, is recovering well. Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal visited him on October 1 and reported good health.
The investigation will proceed under the anti‑terrorism statutes, with the NIA expected to file charges and seek cooperation from Saudi authorities as the case unfolds.