Indian Captain Smit Machar aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 was attacked with a knife by the Omani co-pilot. Despite being seriously injured, he tried to control the situation in the plane. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the courage of Captain Smit Machar and called him a 'hero'. Modi has said that his courage saved the lives of hundreds of passengers and a major accident was averted.
Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.
In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
His valor helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
The cockpit door was successfully opened and
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There were 174 passengers and crew members on board. On Wednesday, a violent incident took place in the cockpit between the captain and the co-pilot. At the same time, Indian Captain Smit Machar was attacked with a knife by his Omani co-pilot. Machar was seriously injured in this attack. After this, the plane suddenly started descending rapidly. According to flight tracking data, the plane descended thousands of feet in a short period of time. Despite being seriously injured, Machar continued trying to take charge of the situation. He managed to open the cockpit door. Then the passenger and crew member reached the cockpit and helped control the accused. Other pilots of the plane also helped in regaining control. After this the plane was landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Modi praised the courage of Captain Machar
Prime Minister Modi praised Captain Machar's courage in a social media post. Modi said that despite grave danger and serious injuries, he showed courage and determination to save the lives of others. He also said that India was proud of Captain Machar and wished him a speedy recovery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Captain Machar's courage.
My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.
Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…
— Benjamin Netanyahu September 30, 2026
Netanyahu said that despite being seriously injured, he fought back and that gave passengers and crew the opportunity to fend off the attacker. Captain Smit Machar is originally from Gujarat and has worked with SpiceJet for almost 11 years. He joined flydubai in June 2022. He flies Boeing 737 aircraft. He has more than 10 years of experience in commercial aviation. He has also worked as a trainer and mentor for other pilots in SpiceJet.
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