Captain was injured during cockpit confrontation; flight FZ1073 diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
New Delhi/Riyadh,
ndian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been widely praised after a serious incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a confrontation in the cockpit, with all passengers and crew reported safe.
According to reports, Machchhar, the pilot-in-command, was injured during an altercation with the co-pilot. Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude of around 14,300 feet in about 37 seconds before stabilising and eventually diverting to Tabuk.
Reports said Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door while injured, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help subdue the other pilot. The aircraft was subsequently brought to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. The exact circumstances and motive behind the cockpit confrontation remain under investigation.
Modi praises Captain Machchhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly praised Machchhar for his actions during the emergency, describing him as a hero and saying that his courage helped prevent a major tragedy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot's actions following the incident.
The incident involved a total of 174 passengers, according to Reuters. Machchhar was subsequently taken to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition. Indian and Saudi authorities have been coordinating regarding his medical care.
Former SpiceJet pilot
Machchhar has been a captain with Flydubai since June 2022. Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he reportedly spent around 11 years with SpiceJet in Mumbai. His professional profile lists extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft.
Flydubai has confirmed that an incident occurred on the flight and that the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, while authorities continue to investigate what happened inside the cockpit. Reports alleging a deliberate attempt to crash the aircraft should therefore be distinguished from the facts established through the ongoing investigation.
