Stories
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Recalls Mom's Fears After Flydubai Stabbing Incident
- •Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
- •Machchhar's actions prevented a serious incident, earning praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Indian Embassy.
- •An older podcast interview revealed Machchhar's mother was initially scared about his career choice due to the perceived risks of aviation 15-17 years ago.
- •Machchhar did not initially plan to be a pilot, studying textile engineering and management before an aviation seminar at age 19 sparked his interest.
- •He is currently stable and receiving medical treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with his parents traveling to Dubai.
Key Questions Answered
During flydubai flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during a struggle. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and crew could overpower the attacker, and the flight was safely diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar originally planned to join his family's textile business and studied textile engineering and management. However, while studying management at age 19, he attended an aviation seminar that introduced him to the profession and sparked his interest in becoming a pilot.
Following the attack, Machchhar was hospitalised in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he received medical treatment. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that he was in stable condition.
