NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
DUBAI, October 1, 2026: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed for his actions aboard a flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers, including four Americans, after a violent cockpit confrontation sent the Israel-bound aircraft into a steep descent and forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, when an altercation occurred in the cockpit, flydubai confirmed. The airline said its crew brought the situation under control and the Boeing 737 landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Four U.S. citizens were among the passengers, according to the U.S. State Department. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a State Department spokesman, that all four were dual U.S.-Israeli nationals traveling on Israeli passports. U.S. officials said they were coordinating with local authorities and were prepared to provide consular assistance.
Machchhar, an Indian national and captain of the flight, was stabbed by his co-pilot during the confrontation, according to Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot then attempted to crash the aircraft. The motive has not been established, and authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investigating the incident.
The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the struggle, according to Reuters. Despite being seriously wounded, Machchhar managed to release the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the co-pilot, a spokesperson for Netanyahu told Reuters.
Two other flydubai pilots who were traveling aboard the aircraft then took control and helped bring the plane safely to Tabuk, according to Israeli officials.
Machchhar underwent emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia. Officials and his family confirm he is currently in stable condition and out of danger.
Saudi Arabia’s National Transport Safety Center said it had opened an investigation into the emergency landing and was working with relevant authorities to determine the circumstances and collect evidence. The airport said both the captain and first officer were injured and taken to a hospital.
The aircraft initially transmitted the international emergency code 7700, indicating a general emergency, and later transmitted 7500, a code associated with unlawful interference with an aircraft.
All passengers survived. Flydubai sent replacement aircraft to Saudi Arabia to allow the passengers to continue their journey to Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu publicly praised Machchhar, saying the Indian captain’s actions helped save those aboard. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the pilot, according to Reuters. India’s Embassy in Riyadh identified Machchhar as the injured captain and said he was receiving medical care.
Reuters reported Thursday that Machchhar is an experienced Boeing 737 captain who discovered an interest in flying at age 19 and built his career in commercial aviation before joining flydubai.
Flydubai has cautioned against speculation while the investigation continues.
“At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation,” the airline said.
Saudi authorities are leading the aviation safety investigation, while the UAE has said investigators will examine whether the incident had any connection to terrorist activity or intent. As of Thursday, no motive had been officially established.
