Stories
Indian Pilot Stable After FlyDubai Cockpit Attack; UAE Probe Underway
N
News18•02-10-2026, 20:22
Indian Pilot Stable After FlyDubai Cockpit Attack; UAE Probe Underway
- •Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, is recovering in Abu Dhabi after being attacked during FlyDubai flight FZ1073.
- •The incident occurred on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route when Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, leading to a rapid descent of over 14,000 feet.
- •Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
- •A second team of pilots took control, ensuring the aircraft, carrying 174 people, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •A UAE probe is currently underway to investigate the dramatic cockpit attack.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured in a cockpit attack by his co-pilot aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and crew could intervene.
Following the attack and a rapid descent of over 14,000 feet, a second team of pilots took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The FlyDubai flight operating on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route was carrying a total of 174 people when the incident occurred.
