Indian pilot thwarts co‑pilot attack, lands Flydubai 737 Max in Saudi Arabia

Indian captain Smit Machchhar stopped a violent takeover of Flydubai flight FZ1073 and steered the Boeing 737 Max to an emergency touchdown in Tabuk, north‑west Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was on a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv route on September 30 with 174 people aboard, most of them Israeli nationals. Machchhar, a 17‑year veteran, was seated in the cockpit when co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami rose to pray, then struck him hard on the head. The blows blurred Machchhar’s vision and the plane began to descend sharply.

What Happened

Machchhar managed to crawl to the cockpit door and opened it. Al‑Hammami shut the door, causing the captain to fall to the floor. A second attempt succeeded; people waiting outside forced their way in, overpowered the co‑pilot and helped regain control of the aircraft. The crew then executed an emergency landing in Tabuk.

Reaction

During a video link with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar said he feared death and used every bit of strength to push the door open. He later told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting for his life. Netanyahu praised him as a “hero of the entire world” and invited both leaders to Israel’s Independence Day. He also accused the co‑pilot of having undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.

Context

The incident has triggered investigations by authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel to determine the motive and any terrorist links. Machchhar has been moved to the UAE for recovery.