Published Oct 01, 2026 | 9:57 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 01, 2026 | 10:00 AM
The Flydubai flight, with 174 passengers, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after what was initially reported as an altercation between the two pilots.
Synopsis: A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an emergency in the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged a hijacking attempt and said one pilot stabbed the other. The Indian captain was hailed as a “hero” after opening the cockpit door despite being severely injured, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
An Indian pilot has been hailed as a “hero” after he reportedly averted the co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The pilot, who was severely injured after being allegedly attacked by the co-pilot, was identified as Smit Machchhar.
The Flydubai flight FZ1073, with 174 passengers, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after what was initially reported as an altercation between the two pilots.
Flight tracking data showed the flight descended about 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) in less than 30 seconds, two hours after taking off from Dubai Airport. According to Flightradar24, an initial general emergency signal designated by code 7700 was issued at about 05:31 GMT and was later changed to another emergency signal with code 7500 declaring “unlawful interference.”
In a statement, Flydubai said the flight was secured, diverted, and landed safely in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk by other on-duty crew. The airline also stated that the motive behind the attack remains unclear and warned against making premature speculations.
“All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for,” a Flydubai spokesperson said in the statement.
“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts,” the airline added.
The incident is being investigated while both pilots were shifted to hospital in Tabuk after sustaining injuries, according to Saudi authorities. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia informed that Smit Machchhar’s condition is reported to be stable, while a full update on his health is awaited.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed it was a hijacking attempt. He claimed that one of the pilots stabbed the other and tried to crash the plane. He said Israel is preparing for “other potential threats” after the incident while also hailing the Indian pilot as a “hero” for saving the lives of the passengers.
“My salute to the Indian pilo,t Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster. He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero,” he said in a post on X.
Netanyahu said Saudi authorities are interrogating the pilot accused of attempting to crash the plane.
According to Reuters, an Israeli official has identified the pilot as an Omani national.
Reuters also reported that Israel is planning to intensify security checks on international pilots flying into the country.
“Every pilot that is going to be flying into Israel, we are going to know the pilots’ identities, know who they are, and do some type of security check,” a spokesperson for PM Netanyahu was quoted as saying by the news agency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian pilot for reportedly saving the lives of passengers.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health,” he added.
US President Donald Trump also praised the pilot.
“In a way he was a hero,” Trump said, noting that the pilot managed to open the cockpit door and scream for help despite being attacked.
He also commented on the co-pilot, describing him as “perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job.”
(Compiled by Fayisa CA)
