Indian national and flydubai captain Smit Machar has been credited with saving the lives of 174 passengers after he was reportedly attacked with a knife by the co-pilot during an alleged attempt to sabotage flight FZ1073 while it was flying from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, according to foreign media reports.
The incident occurred yesterday (30), when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to cause the aircraft to crash. During the incident, the aircraft reportedly descended about 14,000 feet (4,267 metres) in less than 30 seconds.
Despite suffering serious injuries and being covered in blood, Machar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machar’s bravery in a post on X, saying that he had saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli and other nationals.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machar’s courage and described him as a “true hero.”
Machar is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, and foreign media reports that his condition is improving.
Machar, who is from Mumbai, is an experienced pilot who worked for India’s SpiceJet airline for more than 11 years before joining flydubai.
The reason for the confrontation between the two pilots has not yet been disclosed. flydubai has said that an investigation is underway and urged the public to refrain from making unfounded comments about the incident.
According to Reuters, flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel until the investigation is completed.
