New Delhi: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after a cockpit incident on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv that led to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
What Happened on the Flight?
Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, experienced a cockpit confrontation after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with a knife.
The aircraft then rapidly lost altitude before passengers and crew intervened. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to restrain the co-pilot.
Additional pilots on board subsequently took control and the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
Leaders Praise Machchhar
PM Modi called Machchhar a “HERO”, saying he showed “immense courage” despite being seriously injured and helped protect the lives of others.
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 valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
India is proud of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2026
Jaishankar also praised Machchhar’s courage following the incident, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a “true hero” for helping prevent a potential disaster.
Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and remarkable presence of mind, even in the face of grave danger, saved hundreds of lives yesterday and averted a major tragedy.
Join the countless voices from across the world in saluting his valour and praying for his speedy…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 1, 2026
Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk and has been reported to be in stable condition by the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
