A harrowing incident occurred mid-air on September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. The co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft after attacking the captain with a knife. However, thanks to the presence of mind of the Indian captain, Sumit Machhar—who remained composed despite his injuries—and the timely intervention of passengers, the lives of 174 people were saved, and the aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
While the co-pilot’s identity has not yet been disclosed, reports suggest he is from Oman.
According to FlightRadar data, approximately two hours after departure, the aircraft transmitted hijacking and emergency signals (codes 7500 and 7700) while in Saudi airspace. The plane descended 17,000 feet in just two minutes. It was revealed that the co-pilot had attacked Captain Sumit Machhar with a knife inside the cockpit, inflicting severe injuries.
Despite being critically injured and covered in blood, Captain Sumit Machhar managed to press the cockpit unlock switch and call for help before losing consciousness. As the door opened, passengers and crew rushed in, subdued the alleged attacker by grabbing him by the neck, and brought the situation under control. Two other ‘relief pilots’ on board immediately took over the controls and safely landed the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Captain Sumit Machhar as a “hero,” praising his fierce resistance and his action of opening the cockpit door; he stated that the pilot’s quick thinking saved 174 people from a major tragedy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that Captain Sumit displayed extraordinary bravery and that all of India is proud of him.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump also hailed the Indian pilot as a hero and described the incident as a failed attempt to destroy the aircraft.
Sumit Machhar is an experienced pilot and training captain who has also served with SpiceJet for a decade. He was taken to a local hospital in Tabuk, where his condition is now reported to be stable.
Israeli authorities have termed the incident a “failed attempt at jihadist terrorism”; however, Flydubai and other investigative bodies state that the actual causes and motives behind the incident will only be determined following a formal investigation.
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