Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday, 5 October 2026, lavished praise on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage during an alleged hijack attempt aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, calling his actions to save 174 lives a feat rarely seen anywhere in the world. The remarks came days after the incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073 gripped international attention and sparked an outpouring of admiration for the Mumbai-based aviator.

What Shinde Said

'Captain Smit Machchhar's act of bravery and valour is a rare feat in the entire world. He displayed immense courage, risking his own life to save 174 people. He prevented the aircraft from being hijacked and worked to protect everyone on board, putting his own life at risk,' Shinde said. The Deputy Chief Minister also acknowledged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reportedly among the first to congratulate the pilot. 'Our country's popular and successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate him. He felt immense pride that Machchhar belongs to our country, our Mumbai, and is also a source of pride for Maharashtra,' Shinde added.

What Happened on Flight FZ1073

Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737-8, was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September when it reportedly transmitted emergency signals and made a sudden descent of more than 17,000 feet from a cruising altitude of approximately 34,000 feet. On board were 174 passengers, including 27 children. The aircraft was ultimately diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Videos that circulated on social media showed Machchhar covered in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying in the aircraft's galley — images that brought the gravity of the incident into sharp focus.

The Alleged Attack Inside the Cockpit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an Israeli passenger on board had informed him that the aircraft went into a spin and began descending. According to Netanyahu's account, the passenger and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker, who had allegedly stabbed Machchhar while attempting to interfere with the aircraft's controls. That intervention inside the cockpit is being credited as pivotal in halting the descent and preventing a catastrophe. Media reports have identified the alleged attacker as an Omani citizen, Hamam al-Hammami, described as the co-pilot on the flight; however, his identity has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar

Machchhar, who is in his mid-30s, has been widely hailed as a 'true hero' in the days since the incident. He has been with Flydubai for more than four years, having joined the airline in June 2022 after relocating to Dubai. His commercial aviation career spans over 13 years and more than 9,500 flying hours. Prior to joining Flydubai, he spent over a decade with SpiceJet in India, where he also served as a Line Training Captain. His brother is also a pilot with Flydubai. Friends, former colleagues, and neighbours have described him as a person of good character and praised his composure under extreme duress.

Significance and What Comes Next

The incident has drawn attention to cockpit security protocols on international routes and the conduct expected of crew during in-flight emergencies. Machchhar's story has resonated deeply in Maharashtra and across India's aviation community. As authorities in Saudi Arabia and relevant jurisdictions continue to investigate the alleged hijack attempt, the official identification of the attacker and formal findings are still awaited. The case is likely to prompt fresh scrutiny of co-pilot screening procedures at international carriers.