Indian pilot saves 174 lives on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight after mid-air attack

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar prevented a major mid-air disaster on Wednesday evening after being stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight. The flight, numbered FZ1073 and travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was carrying 174 people on board, including 170 Israelis according to initial reports and 174 total passengers including 27 children as noted by subsequent updates. The Omani co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar mid-air with the intent to crash the aircraft. Despite being seriously injured, Captain Machchhar fought back and managed to unlock and open the cockpit door before collapsing. This crucial action allowed passengers, crew members, and a second team of off-duty flydubai pilots travelling in civilian clothes to step in and overpower the attacker. Two flydubai pilots then took control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and safely landed it at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Machchhar as a true hero for his extraordinary bravery in saving 174 lives, wishing him a speedy and full recovery. Netanyahu also stated that Saudi officials have questioned the Omani co-pilot while authorities investigate the incident. Captain Machchhar brings over 13 years of commercial flying experience with more than 9,500 flying hours, including over 6,400 hours as Pilot in Command. A Mumbai native and former SpiceJet Line Training Captain for over 11 years, he joined flydubai as a captain in June 2022. Following the incident, his parents travelled to Tabuk to tend to him, and his brother, who recently joined flydubai as a pilot, is yet to start flying. flydubai has temporarily suspended its 10 daily scheduled flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv for six days to allow relevant authorities to investigate and establish the facts, while offering support and alternative arrangements to affected passengers.

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Commercial airline flights maintain strict cockpit security protocols with locked doors to prevent unauthorized access and potential security threats. When unexpected emergencies occur mid-air, trained off-duty crew members travelling as passengers can provide vital assistance to the active flight deck. Investigators will thoroughly examine flight data recorders and cockpit communications to determine the exact sequence of events.