An Indian pilot stabbed by his Omani co‑pilot fought back during a terror attempt on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, forcing a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers and crew survived.
Pilot’s Background
Smit Machchhar, 45, logged nearly 10,000 flight hours, including 6,400 as captain, and flew the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for Flydubai after a decade with SpiceJet. He was the sole pilot in the cockpit when the attack began.
Passenger Intervention
Passengers joined the struggle, subduing the co‑pilot with headphones and handcuffs. One flight instructor among them pulled the attacker from the controls and held him in a chokehold. Another passenger opened the cockpit door, allowing two off‑duty European pilots to take over.
Official Response
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar as “extraordinary bravery,” saying he saved 174 lives. He called the captain a true hero and wished him a speedy recovery.
Investigation Ongoing
Israeli security officials labeled the incident an attempted terror attack and are probing the Omani co‑pilot’s motive. Flydubai confirmed the emergency landing and said the pilots’ identities remain under investigation.
