For most passengers, a flight is a routine journey. Once the aircraft takes off, the people in the cockpit are expected to handle everything from technical problems to medical emergencies while keeping hundreds of lives on board safe.
Captain Smit Machchhar found himself facing an emergency unlike anything in his more than decade-long aviation career on 30 September 2026.
Machchhar, an Indian pilot from Mumbai, was the captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent confrontation broke out in the cockpit. He was stabbed by his co-pilot, according to Israeli officials and multiple reports. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Here is how Machchhar went from studying textile engineering to becoming the pilot at the centre of an international aviation incident.
Who Is Smit Machchhar?
Machchhar’s journey to the cockpit did not begin with a childhood dream of flying.
After school, he studied textile engineering because he expected to eventually join his family’s textile business. He later pursued management studies at Mumbai’s Welingkar Institute of Management.
It was during those studies, when he was around 19, that an aviation seminar changed his plans.
In a 2025 interview, Machchhar recalled that aviation “came along much later” in his life. He eventually decided to train as a commercial pilot, a move that initially worried his mother.
New Zealand Became His Flying School
Machchhar then travelled to New Zealand for commercial pilot training.
He spent around 18 months at Mainland Air in Dunedin between 2008 and 2009. Philip Kean, the flight school’s chief executive, later told New Zealand media that Machchhar stood out as a student and performed well during his training.
After returning to India, Machchhar completed his Boeing 737 type rating at the Flight Safety Training Centre in Manesar, Gurgaon, according to reports on his career.
That training eventually put him on the aircraft type that would define much of his professional career.
11 Years At SpiceJet
Machchhar joined SpiceJet in 2011 and spent more than 11 years with the airline.
He rose through the ranks to become a senior commander and later a Line Training Captain. In that role, he trained and assessed other pilots.
His professional profile lists more than 6,400 hours as pilot-in-command during his time at SpiceJet. His overall flying experience is listed at around 9,750 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 and 9.
In June 2022, Machchhar moved to flydubai as a direct-entry captain. This meant he joined the airline as a captain based on his previous experience rather than progressing through its ranks from the beginning.
He Put Safety Before The Schedule
Machchhar’s older interviews also offer a glimpse into how he approached flying.
In a 2025 interview reported by Reuters, he recalled situations where flights had to be diverted because of medical emergencies. He also spoke about delaying departures over technical concerns, even when the issue might appear minor.
His approach was simple: getting passengers safely off the aircraft mattered more than keeping to the schedule.
That safety-first approach has gained fresh attention after the Flydubai incident.
What Happened On Flight FZ1073?
On 30 September, Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an incident involving the two pilots unfolded.
According to Israeli officials cited by Reuters, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX then went into a rapid descent of around 14,000 feet.
Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew then entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers helped regain control of the aircraft.
The flight diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia and landed safely. Machchhar and the other pilot were taken to hospital. Machchhar underwent surgery and was later reported to be in stable condition.
Israeli officials described the incident as an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft. The suspected attacker was reported as an Omani national and was arrested by Saudi authorities. However, the motive remains under investigation.
Flydubai itself has described the event as an “incident” during the flight and said it was working with the relevant authorities. The airline has also urged people not to speculate while investigations continue.
Why His Old Words Are Trending Again
An older interview of Machchhar has also resurfaced following the incident.
In a 2025 podcast, he spoke about the importance of cabin crew during emergencies. He pointed out that cabin crew receive training in safety procedures, emergency response and first aid.
“When we are up there and if something happens, who’s going to save you?” he said during the conversation.
Those comments have gained new attention because an Israeli dentist on Flight FZ1073 reportedly helped treat Machchhar after he was injured. The dentist said he helped control the pilot’s bleeding until medical treatment was available.
From An Unexpected Career To The Global Spotlight
Machchhar did not set out to become a pilot.
A textile engineering course, plans to join his family business and an aviation seminar at 19 eventually led him to New Zealand, SpiceJet and then flydubai.
More than a decade after entering commercial aviation, his name is now linked to one of the most serious cockpit incidents involving an Indian pilot in recent years.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Machchhar with helping save 174 lives, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised his actions. Machchhar remains under medical care in Saudi Arabia as authorities investigate exactly what happened inside the cockpit and why.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?
Smit Machchhar is an Indian commercial pilot from Mumbai who has flown Boeing 737 aircraft for more than a decade.
What did he study before becoming a pilot?
He initially studied textile engineering and planned to join his family’s textile business before discovering aviation during a seminar at around 19.
Where did he train to fly?
He completed commercial pilot training at Mainland Air in Dunedin, New Zealand, spending around 18 months there.
Which airlines has he worked for?
Machchhar spent more than 11 years at SpiceJet before joining flydubai as a direct-entry captain in June 2022.
Why is Smit Machchhar trending?
He was the captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026.
What happened to the flight?
The aircraft went into a rapid descent after the cockpit confrontation. Machchhar opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
How many people did he help save?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Machchhar helped save 174 lives.
What is his condition now?
Machchhar underwent surgery and has been reported to be in stable condition while receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia.
What is known about the attacker?
The co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities. Israeli officials identified him as an Omani national, while the motive remains under investigation. Flydubai has urged people to avoid premature speculation.
