Smit Machchhar, a 13‑year veteran of flydubai, restrained an Omani co‑pilot who tried to seize control of flight FZ1073, a 737‑MAX bound for Tel Aviv, on 17 May 2026.
The aircraft plummeted from 34,000 feet to 17,000 in 1 min 30 s, reaching supersonic speed and stressing the airframe; an animation released by the airline shows the extreme forces involved.
The co‑pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to override the cockpit controls; despite serious injuries, the captain unlocked the door and alerted the crew.
Passengers and crew seized the cockpit, disarmed the attacker, and prevented a catastrophic crash that would have claimed 180 lives, including 27 children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Machchhar as a "hero" and said he saved 174 lives; the Israeli Foreign Ministry echoed the praise and thanked the Indian pilot, Emirati crew, and Israeli passengers for their collective bravery.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where investigators will examine cockpit footage, conduct forensic interviews of the co‑pilot, and report the incident to UAE aviation authorities.