Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during a Flydubai cockpit attack but helped passengers and crew regain control, drawing praise from Modi and Netanyahu…reports Asian Lite News Desk
What began as a routine Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a mid-air emergency on Wednesday after a violent confrontation in the cockpit left the captain seriously injured and sent the aircraft into a rapid descent.
At the centre of the incident was Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, whose actions after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot have drawn praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The sequence has also raised questions about cockpit security, pilot screening and how the crew and passengers responded when control of the aircraft was apparently threatened. The exact motive behind the confrontation remains under investigation. Flydubai has described what happened as an “altercation” and cautioned against premature speculation.
A sudden and dramatic descent
Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers on its journey from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
According to flight-tracking data reported by Reuters and other outlets, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 underwent an extreme descent during the incident, dropping almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency signals before diverting towards Saudi Arabia.
Israeli authorities initially feared a possible hijacking and began a security response. An Israeli official later said the incident was not being treated simply as a conventional hijacking, while Israeli officials described the confrontation as an apparent attempt to take control of the aircraft and crash it.
The captain’s crucial intervention
According to Netanyahu’s account, Machchhar was stabbed and seriously wounded by the co-pilot but continued to resist.
Netanyahu said the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter. They then overpowered the attacker, while other Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers subsequently took control of the aircraft.
A spokesperson for Netanyahu said Machchhar used what remained of his strength to release the cockpit door after being wounded. Passengers then entered the cockpit and found the injured captain on the floor while the other pilot was allegedly attempting to interfere with the aircraft’s controls.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were taken to hospital.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said Machchhar was receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk and was reported to be in stable condition. The embassy said it was in contact with his family and Saudi authorities and would continue to provide assistance.
Netanyahu calls him a hero
Netanyahu publicly credited Machchhar with helping save everyone aboard the aircraft.
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.
He said that despite being stabbed and seriously injured, Machchhar “fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door” and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said, wishing the captain a “speedy and full recovery” and describing him as “a true hero”.
Netanyahu also praised the passengers who intervened. Their actions, together with those of the crew and additional pilots aboard the aircraft, were critical in bringing the situation under control.
Modi joins international praise
On Thursday, Modi also praised Machchhar, describing him as a “HERO” who displayed courage despite being seriously injured.
“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” Modi said in a post on X.
“India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” he added, while wishing the pilot a speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.
Who is Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar is an experienced Boeing 737 pilot who previously worked with Indian airline SpiceJet before joining Flydubai.
Indian Express reported that he spent about 11 years with SpiceJet before joining Flydubai as a captain in 2022. PTI reported that he has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience and more than 9,500 flying hours, including more than 6,400 hours as pilot-in-command.
His experience became particularly significant during Wednesday’s emergency because the aircraft had to be recovered after the confrontation, with additional Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers eventually taking over the flight.
Questions now turn to aviation security
While the immediate crisis ended with the aircraft landing safely, the incident has opened a wider discussion about cockpit security and the procedures used to vet pilots operating international flights.
Israel said it planned to increase security checks on pilots flying into the country following the incident. Reuters reported that the episode had prompted questions about pilot screening and aviation security protocols.
Flydubai, meanwhile, has urged caution while the investigation continues. The airline confirmed that an incident occurred while the flight was en route and that all passengers were safe and accounted for.
The motive behind the cockpit confrontation has not been definitively established.
