Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a national hero after his extraordinary courage saved 174 lives aboard a Flydubai flight. Despite being stabbed by his co-pilot in an alleged attempt to crash the plane, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was among many prominent figures who publicly saluted the pilot's actions.
The Incident Unfolds
The dramatic incident occurred on October 2, 2026, during Flydubai flight FZ1073, which departed from Dubai International Airport en route to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. According to Captain Machchhar's account, shared from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, his co-pilot launched an attack, stabbing him multiple times.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that the aircraft experienced a rapid descent over Saudi Arabia, plunging more than 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) in less than two minutes. The plane then signaled an emergency code (squawk 7700), which was subsequently changed to a hijacking code (squawk 7500).
A Hero's Actions
Despite his severe injuries, Captain Machchhar, drawing on 17 years of aviation experience, including 11 as a captain, realized the plane was going down. He recounted his struggle to reach and open the cockpit door, even while being continuously attacked. His decisive action allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit, overpower the assailant, and regain control of the aircraft.
A second pair of Flydubai pilots, who were among the passengers, then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, averting a catastrophic disaster.
Widespread Tributes and Investigation
News of Captain Machchhar's heroism quickly spread, leading to an outpouring of tributes. Bollywood icon Salman Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his admiration: “Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Captain Machchhar via video call, praising his bravery. Other Bollywood celebrities, including R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda, Ravi Kishan, Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty, and Jackie Shroff, shared their commendations, calling him a true hero.
The incident has sparked an international investigation. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash labeled the event a “terrorist act,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared “suicidal.” US President Donald Trump also commented on the pilot's heroic actions, warning of severe consequences if Iran were linked to the attack.
Flydubai has since suspended its Tel Aviv route, and authorities in the United Arab Emirates have launched a full investigation into the flight deck incident.