Injured Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar stable in Tabuk hospital
Synopsis
An Indian pilot stabbed mid-flight still managed to open the cockpit door, let passengers overpower the attacker, and land the aircraft safely — saving 174 lives. Israeli PM Netanyahu called Captain Smit Machchhar a 'true hero', while India's embassy in Riyadh confirmed he is stable in a Tabuk hospital and in contact with his family.
Key Takeaways
Captain Smit Machchhar , Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 , is stable and receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk , northwest Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah confirmed on 1 October they are closely monitoring his health and are in contact with his family.
According to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu , Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured but resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and helped passengers overpower the assailant.
Netanyahu credited the pilot with saving the lives of 174 people , including Israeli and other nationals, calling him a 'true hero' with 'extraordinary bravery'.
Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said collective courage from Captain Machchhar along with Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew saved 180 souls on board.
India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah on Wednesday, 1 October confirmed they are closely monitoring the health of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, who sustained injuries while helping avert a major in-flight emergency that forced the aircraft to divert to Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia. Initial reports indicate the pilot is in a stable condition and is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk city.
Indian Missions Monitoring Captain Machchhar's Condition
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said both Indian missions in Saudi Arabia had been tracking developments related to Captain Machchhar's medical condition. The embassy confirmed it was awaiting a more detailed health update but noted that early indications pointed to a stable prognosis.
'We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest,' the embassy stated. The mission also confirmed it had established contact with Captain Machchhar's family and assured them of all possible assistance in coordination with Saudi authorities.
'We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being,' the embassy added in its statement.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Calls Pilot a 'True Hero'
The Indian missions' update came hours after senior Israeli leaders publicly lauded Captain Machchhar's actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian pilot as a 'true hero' and praised his 'extraordinary bravery' in a statement issued through the Prime Minister's Office.
According to Netanyahu, Captain Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but continued to act to protect those on board. The Prime Minister said the pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower the assailant, thereby preventing what he described as a potentially catastrophic mid-air disaster.
'He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,' Netanyahu said, also wishing the pilot a speedy and full recovery.
Israeli Diplomat Highlights Collective Courage on Board
Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar also paid tribute to Captain Machchhar, describing him as an experienced and gifted aviator and saying he was praying for the pilot's recovery. Azar broadened the recognition to include other passengers and crew members whose collective response helped neutralise the threat.
'His courage and the courage of other Israeli and Emirati passengers and crew members saved the lives of 180 souls,' Azar said. He further called for a united international stand against terrorism.
Growing International Recognition for Captain Machchhar
The statements from both Indian and Israeli authorities reflect growing international recognition for Captain Machchhar's actions during the emergency. While Indian officials have concentrated on his medical welfare and family liaison, Israeli leaders have emphasised his direct role in averting a large-scale tragedy aboard the diverted Flydubai flight.
This is the latest in a series of high-profile mid-air security incidents in recent years that have underscored the vulnerability of commercial aviation to in-flight threats. As Captain Machchhar continues to recover, diplomatic attention from both New Delhi and Jerusalem is likely to remain focused on the Tabuk hospital where he is currently admitted.
Point of View
Careful not to characterise the nature of the attack. That restraint may reflect India's calibrated approach to aviation security incidents involving third countries, but it also leaves the full public narrative to be shaped by others. As investigations into the Flydubai FZ1073 incident proceed, the question of what exactly happened aboard that flight — and who the attacker was — will demand answers that neither government has yet provided.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar and what happened on Flydubai flight FZ1073?
Captain Smit Machchhar is an Indian pilot who was at the controls of Flydubai flight FZ1073 when an in-flight security incident occurred, forcing the aircraft to divert to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. According to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the pilot was stabbed and seriously injured during the incident but continued to act, opening the cockpit door and enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
What is Captain Machchhar's current health condition?
Captain Machchhar is currently in a stable condition, according to initial reports cited by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on 1 October. He is admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical treatment. The Indian missions said they were awaiting a more detailed update.
What did Israeli PM Netanyahu say about Captain Machchhar?
Israeli PM Netanyahu described Captain Machchhar as a 'true hero' and praised his 'extraordinary bravery' in a statement issued through the Prime Minister's Office. He said the pilot saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals, and wished him a speedy and full recovery.
What is India's official response to the incident?
India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah confirmed they are closely monitoring Captain Machchhar's health and are in direct contact with his family. The embassy stated it will continue to coordinate with Saudi authorities to extend all possible assistance for his well-being.
Why was Flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk?
Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia following a serious in-flight security incident on board. According to Israeli officials, an attacker targeted the cockpit area, stabbing the pilot before being overpowered by passengers and crew members, making a diversion necessary.
