Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar Stabbed Mid-Air, Former SpiceJet Pilot Helped Avert Disaster

NewsDesk7 | International | October 1, 2026: Indian airline captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot-in-command of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was injured in a serious cockpit incident after being attacked by his co-pilot during the flight on September 30.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as Flight FZ1073, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the injured pilots were taken to hospital. All 174 passengers were reported safe, and the aircraft ultimately landed without further incident. Reuters
Who Is Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar is an Indian national from Mumbai and has been serving as a captain with Flydubai since June 2022.
Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he spent around 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and later as a line training captain. His professional profile lists approximately 9,750 hours of flying experience, including experience on Boeing 737 aircraft. Hindustan Times
His experience reportedly includes both line operations and the training and assessment of other pilots.
What Happened on Flight FZ1073?
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv when a serious incident occurred inside the cockpit.
Multiple reports said the co-pilot, identified in reports as an Omani national, attacked and stabbed Machchhar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot appeared to have attempted to take control of the aircraft and crash it. However, authorities have not yet established a final motive, and the investigation remains underway. Reuters
Flydubai and aviation authorities have described the episode as a security incident or cockpit altercation and have cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed. WAM
Plane Suddenly Lost Altitude
Flight-tracking data showed a dramatic loss of altitude during the emergency.
Reports said the aircraft descended by roughly 14,000 feet in less than a minute before the situation was brought under control. Emergency procedures were activated and the flight diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia. Hindustan Times
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport at around 9:45 a.m. local time, according to airport authorities. Saudi Gazette
Crew and Passengers Helped Secure the Aircraft
Reports indicate that other crew members and passengers intervened during the cockpit emergency.
The aircraft was eventually secured, allowing the flight to be diverted safely to Saudi Arabia. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight were also reported to have assisted in operating the aircraft following the incident. Reuters
The passengers later continued their journey to Tel Aviv aboard replacement aircraft. Saudi Gazette
Machchhar Hospitalised in Tabuk
Machchhar suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital after the emergency landing.
Later reports said his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was reported to be in stable condition after medical treatment. Saudi authorities also took the co-pilot into custody for questioning. Reuters
Former SpiceJet Captain's Career Comes Into Focus
News of the incident has also brought attention to Machchhar's aviation career.
He reportedly began his commercial flying career with SpiceJet in 2011 and remained there until moving to Flydubai in 2022. During his time at the Indian airline, he reportedly worked as a senior commander and line training captain, helping train and evaluate pilots. Hindustan Times
His experience on Boeing 737 aircraft is now being examined in the context of how the flight was brought safely to the ground following the cockpit emergency.
Investigation Into Motive Underway
The exact sequence of events inside the cockpit and the motive behind the confrontation have yet to be fully established.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said investigators are examining the causes and circumstances of the incident, including operational and security aspects. Officials have urged the public not to circulate unverified information while the investigation continues. WAM
Flydubai has also said the underlying reasons and motives remain unknown pending a formal investigation. ARN News Centre
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
Following the incident, Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the incident. Gulf News
The airline said passenger and crew safety remains its priority and that it is cooperating with the authorities involved in the investigation.
Key Highlights
- Pilot: Captain Smit Machchhar
- Nationality: Indian
- Current airline: Flydubai
- Previous airline: SpiceJet
- SpiceJet tenure: About 11 years
- Flight: FZ1073, Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Passengers: 174
- Emergency diversion: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Incident: Captain reportedly attacked and stabbed in the cockpit
- Machchhar's condition: Reported stable after treatment
- Investigation: Underway in Saudi Arabia and by aviation authorities