Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Recalls Hijack Attempt and Emotional Recovery

Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets Emotional, Recalls Hijack Attempt

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot stabbed aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, is recovering well at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. On September 30, 2026, while flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Smit was stabbed by his co-pilot. Despite suffering multiple stabs, Smit managed to control the aircraft and save the lives of 174 passengers and eight crew members.

Smit Machchhar Gets Emotional While Recalling the Tragic Incident

On October 2, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Smit Machchhar on a video call to praise his courage and valour and wish him a quick recovery. Smit thanked the Prime Minister and became emotional while recalling the event. With 17 years of flying experience and 11 years as a Captain, Smit stated that while lying on the floor after being stabbed, he could sense that the aircraft was going down.