Israeli officials have praised Indian aviator Captain Smit Machchhar for his decisive actions after an alleged mid-flight assault aboard a Flydubai service travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar resisted an attack by his first officer, who reportedly stabbed him in an effort to bring down the plane. Despite severe injuries, the captain managed to unlock the flight deck door, allowing crew members and travellers to intervene, subdue the assailant, and regain control of the aircraft.
Netanyahu lauded Machchhar as a “true hero,” noting that his intervention protected 174 passengers—including 27 children—as well as the crew. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, also expressed public gratitude, commending the captain’s resilience under extreme distress.
Flight FZ1073 experienced a sudden descent and issued distress signals during the incident before safely diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Footage shared on social media showed the injured captain receiving medical attention inside the aircraft’s galley.
Flydubai acknowledged that an onboard altercation occurred, stating that the flight was brought under control by crew members who executed an emergency diversion. Saudi authorities took the suspect into custody upon arrival, and airline representatives confirmed that all occupants landed safely and were accounted for.
