Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national employed by Flydubai, was attacked by another pilot aboard flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received medical treatment. According to reports, the assailant stabbed Machchhar and attempted to crash the plane by putting it into a descent. Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit, subdued the attacker, and regained control of the aircraft, which carried approximately 150 to 174 people aboard.
Machchhar, a Mumbai native, has accumulated more than 9,750 hours of flying experience throughout his aviation career. He initially attended Mainland Air aviation college in New Zealand’s Dunedin in 2008, subsequently joined SpiceJet as a commercial pilot, and moved to Flydubai in 2022. Colleagues and former employers have described him as a disciplined, calm professional with strong crisis management skills. In a podcast appearance last year, Machchhar discussed his passion for aviation and his commitment to prioritizing passenger safety above all other considerations.
Official statements from multiple governments and aviation organizations praised Machchhar’s actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited the pilot with saving 174 lives and preventing a catastrophic disaster. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his courage and resolve, while Foreign Minister S Jaishankar commended his extraordinary composure under extreme circumstances. The Indian embassy confirmed that Machchhar remained in stable condition and was recovering well following the incident. His identity and bravery generated significant recognition across Indian social media platforms, with many commenters hailing him as a hero.
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