Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly commended Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot operating Flydubai Flight FZ1073, for extraordinary bravery after he fought off an attacking co-pilot to save 174 lives.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight when the co-pilot stabbed Captain Machchhar in a violent attempt to crash the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
Key highlights of the incident and subsequent developments include:
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Heroic Defense and Rapid Recovery: Captain Machchhar prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster by keeping control of the aircraft deck and unlocking the cockpit door during a steep descent. He was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where India’s embassy confirmed he is in stable condition receiving treatment.
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Mid-Air Emergency & Landing: Flight FZ1073 transmitted emergency transponder codes after dropping thousands of feet in altitude during the struggle. The plane made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
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Attacker Arrested: Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot upon landing and launched an immediate interrogation. Israeli defense officials have formally characterized the attack as an attempted terrorist act targeting Israelis onboard.
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Passengers Safely Evacuated: A replacement Flydubai aircraft brought the stranded passengers from Tabuk to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport later Wednesday afternoon, where they were met by emotional families and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
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High Praise: In a statement on X, Netanyahu hailed Captain Machchhar as a “true hero” whose courage prevented a heavy disaster, extending wishes for his full and speedy recovery.
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