Flydubai's pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, spoke for the first time after the attempted hijacking and recalled what exactly happened.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleCaptain Smit Machchhar is the hero everyone is talking about right now. The Indian pilot stabbed aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 is recovering well at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. It all started on September 30, 2026, when Smit was flying flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, Smit was stabbed by his co-pilot. But despite suffering multiple stabs, Smit still managed to control the aircraft and save the lives of 174 passengers and eight crew members.
On October 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Flydubai’s hero pilot, Smit Machchhar, on a video call and praised the young pilot for his courage and valour. When the PM enquired about his condition, Smit said that he was fine. Later in the conversation, the PM told Smit that the entire nation was proud of him and praying for his quick recovery.
Smit thanked him and was seen getting emotional as he recalled the incident. The brave pilot revealed that he has been flying planes for 17 years and had been a Captain for 11 years. Smit stated that when he got stabbed, while lying on the floor, he could sense that the aircraft was going down.
Smit pushed the cabin door and soon got help from the crew and passengers. He revealed that in his mind, he was trying to save his life but also knew he couldn’t let everyone die. Wiping his tears, Smit said:
“Ek aisa momet aaya jab mai gir chuka tha aur itne ghaav lag chuke the. Jab main neeche gira hua tha tab mujhe ehsaas hua ki aircraft neeche ja raha hai. Mujhe itna pata tha ki un sabko bhi marne nahi de sakta tha.”
According to reports, the Flydubai flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with approximately 180 passengers and crew when a fight broke out between the two pilots in the cockpit. It was a mid-air hijack attempt in which the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar multiple times. However, despite being severely injured, Smit managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers, off-duty pilots, and the cabin crew forced their way into the cockpit and subdued the co-pilot, who tried to crash the plane, and stabilised the Boeing 737. Off-duty pilots took control and diverted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed it safely. Passengers shared their own account, saying they and crew members broke into the cockpit after it became clear something was wrong.
Machchhar was severely injured after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, who has been accused of attempting to crash the plane. The incident was initially reported as a brawl between the two pilots. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later claimed that the incident was a hijacking attempt and hailed the Indian pilot as a hero for saving the lives of the passengers.
According to reports, the aircraft also transmitted emergency signals, including a code associated with unlawful interference, triggering fears of a possible hijacking and prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets.
What do you think about Smit Machchhar’s emotional moment?
Also Read: Flydubai Flight FZ1073, Smit Machchhar's Mom Was 'Scared' Of Him Choosing Aviation, Is He Married?