SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh on Thursday, 1 October 2026, praised Captain Smit Machchhar — the Indian pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 who sustained grievous injuries while protecting over 170 passengers from an in-flight attack by his co-pilot — calling it 'an incredible moment of pride.' The aircraft, which had gone into a free fall during the incident, was ultimately diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew overpowered the attacker.

What Happened Aboard Flight FZ1073

Captain Smit Machchhar, a former SpiceJet pilot who later joined flydubai, was attacked by his own co-pilot mid-flight. Despite being seriously injured and bleeding, Machchhar fought off the attacker, manually forced open the cockpit door, and enabled other crew members and two pilots to enter, subdue the co-pilot, and bring the stricken aircraft under control. The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where all passengers were evacuated safely.

Ajay Singh's Tribute to the Captain

Speaking to reporters, SpiceJet's Ajay Singh said: 'It's a moment of great pride, not only for SpiceJet but for the entire country. I think Smit did what was his duty. When pilots go on board, their job is to protect the passengers they are flying. It was incredibly brave of him to fight his attacker, open the cockpit door and ensure that the plane, which was in free fall, could be brought under control.'

Singh further emphasised that the pilot's act of opening the cockpit door 'allowed the other people and two pilots to come in, overpower the attacker, and fly the plane to safety.' He added: 'Smit is the embodiment of values that we inculcate in all pilots, that is to be courageous, provide selfless service and ensure the safety of passengers.'

When asked what message he would like to send to the captain, Singh said: 'I am extremely proud that you were associated with SpiceJet...not only us, you have made the entire country proud. We are all waiting to welcome you back to India.'

Modi and Netanyahu Weigh In

The tributes extended well beyond the aviation sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar earlier on Thursday, stating he has 'brought glory to India' and that 'the world is proud of him.' Modi also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had lauded the captain, reportedly describing his intervention as having averted a 9/11-style attack.

Notably, the episode draws rare, simultaneous commendation from two sitting heads of government — underscoring the gravity of what Machchhar prevented and the international resonance of the incident.

Background and Significance

Captain Machchhar's career trajectory — from SpiceJet to flydubai — is emblematic of the pipeline of Indian aviation talent that staffs carriers across the Gulf. His actions have reignited a broader conversation within the industry about cockpit security protocols, co-pilot screening, and emergency access procedures. Aviation safety experts note that while cockpit doors are designed to keep threats out, this incident exposed the vulnerability of a threat originating from within.

As Captain Machchhar recovers from his injuries, the aviation community — and the country — awaits further updates on his condition and the ongoing investigation into the co-pilot's actions.