DUBAI – Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has issued his first statement after being injured during a violent cockpit incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
In his statement, Machchhar thanked his colleagues, passengers and crew members for standing by him during the difficult situation.
“As a pilot, I performed my duty, and I am grateful that the aircraft landed safely and the passengers remained safe,” he said.
The fight between pilots occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers including Israelis. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation between the pilots in the cockpit.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the other pilot. Two off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft then helped take control and land the plane safely at Tabuk Airport.
This man is a hero.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of flydubai Flight 1073, fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit.
Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door – allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save… pic.twitter.com/x4W3mtQkag
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 30, 2026
All passengers and crew members were accounted for after the emergency landing. Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.
Israeli authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while Saudi and UAE authorities are also examining what happened. The identity and motive of the pilot accused of attacking Machchhar have not been publicly established, and the circumstances surrounding the cockpit altercation remain under investigation.
Flydubai has urged against speculation while investigations into the incident continue.
