Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar? The Mumbai Pilot Hailed as a Hero After the Flydubai Cockpit Attack

Captain Smit Machchhar, a pilot from Mumbai, was commanding Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026 when a violent fight broke out in the cockpit. Israeli officials said his co-pilot stabbed him and tried to take control of the aircraft.

The Boeing 737 MAX then dropped rapidly by about 14,000 feet. Even though he was badly hurt, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, which let passengers and crew step in. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers helped bring the plane back under control. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Machchhar a "true hero" who showed extraordinary bravery and saved the lives of 174 people. Netanyahu also told CNN that the captain, despite his wounds, helped prevent a 9/11-style disaster. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia also called him "brave" and wished him a speedy recovery, and locals gathered in Mumbai to celebrate him.

"He helped prevent a 9/11-style disaster." — Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, to CNN

Machchhar is reported to be a 39-year-old father of two, from Ghatkopar East in eastern Mumbai. He joined Flydubai in 2022 after 11 years at SpiceJet, and has logged more than 9,750 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft — he is also an instructor captain. Notably, he studied textile engineering before becoming a pilot, showing that a career in aviation can start from a very different field.

A passenger who helped treat him, a dentist, said he had lost a lot of blood and was severely wounded. He had surgery and was reported to be in stable condition before India's Ministry of External Affairs said he was later moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care. India's ambassador to the UAE visited him in hospital, and his parents also travelled to be with him.

Saudi Arabia said the co-pilot suspected of the attack was sent to Abu Dhabi. The investigation is still ongoing, and the motive has not been officially confirmed.

Pilots train for engine failures, bad weather, and technical faults — this incident is a reminder that crews also need calm thinking, teamwork, and courage in situations nobody can fully prepare for. Captain Machchhar's quick action, together with the help of passengers and off-duty pilots, helped bring everyone down safely.