Capt Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai captain wounded in a mid‑air cockpit attack, says he forced the cockpit door open despite being stabbed so others could help and to protect passengers. Flight FZ1073 plunged more than 17,000 ft before issuing emergency signals and switching to squawk 7500. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, and two reserve pilots landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi and is in stable condition. Authorities are investigating possible links to radicalisation or terrorism.
‘I Wasn’t Going To Let Others Die’: Indian Captain Recounts Mid‑Flight Cockpit Attack on Flydubai Flight
The Indian government has praised Smit Machchhar for his "immense courage" [Embassy of India in Israel]
Capt Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, has described how he was stabbed by his co‑pilot mid‑flight but managed to force the cockpit door open so others could enter and help, saying he was determined not to let passengers die.
What Happened
The Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight, carrying more than 170 passengers, plunged more than 17,000 ft (about 5,200 m) around two and a half hours into the journey. The aircraft first sent an emergency signal and then switched its transponder to squawk 7500, the international code for a hijack.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one pilot stabbed the other and then apparently attempted to crash the plane. Passengers and crew overpowered and restrained the attacker. Two reserve pilots who were on board took control and landed the plane safely at Tabuk Airport in north‑west Saudi Arabia at 06:58 local time.
Captain’s Account
"I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call.
Machchhar said he had been attacked while on the cabin floor and realised the jet was sinking, which prompted him to push and open the cockpit door to allow others to enter and help control the situation. He said he was fighting for his own life but insisted he would not let others die.
Aftermath and Investigations
Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi; he is reported to be in stable condition. Israeli officials have identified the attacker as an Omani national and said early investigative leads point to possible "Islamist radical indoctrination." The UAE has opened inquiries to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorism.
The Indian government and the Embassy of India praised Capt Machchhar for his bravery. Speaking about his recovery, Machchhar said he viewed his wound as part of a journey toward full recovery and expressed confidence he would regain his health.
Context
The episode has renewed attention on in‑flight security procedures and the protocols for handling an incapacitated or hostile crew member. International investigators and regional authorities continue to probe the attacker’s motives and any possible links to extremist groups.
Timeline Highlights:
- Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv plunged ~17,000 ft and issued distress signals.
- Transponder was switched to squawk 7500 (hijack code).
- Passengers and crew restrained the attacker; two reserve pilots landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk.
- Captain Machchhar was hospitalized in Tabuk then airlifted to Abu Dhabi and is stable.
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