Flydubai flight carrying 174 people plunged 14,125 feet in 29 seconds after an alleged stabbing incident in the cockpit on Wednesday. The Boeing 737, operating Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and appeared to attempt to crash the aircraft. Flydubai confirmed an altercation on the flight deck but did not verify these claims. Flight-tracking data recorded the sharp descent. Passengers reportedly panicked as the aircraft lost altitude. The incident is under investigation, and several details remain unconfirmed. (PC:  The Indian Express)

Israeli dentist Dr Shota Mosaev, the only doctor aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, described treating Indian Captain Smit Machchhar after he was repeatedly stabbed by his co-pilot. Mosaev said Machchhar had deep wounds to his head and hands, significant blood loss and eventually lost consciousness as his blood pressure fell. The dentist rushed to the cockpit after hearing screams and treated the captain while passengers restrained the attacker using a headphone cord and later plastic zip ties. The Boeing 737 aircraft had sharply descended nearly 14,000 feet before passengers and crew intervened. It later diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar underwent surgery and was reported stable. The attack’s exact motive remains under investigation. (PC: X)

India’s Embassy in Riyadh said Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, injured while helping avert an in-flight crisis, is currently stable and receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The embassy and Consulate General in Jeddah are monitoring his condition, awaiting a detailed health update and remaining in contact with his family to provide assistance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a “true hero,” saying he was seriously injured but resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the assailant. Netanyahu said Machchhar saved 174 people. Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said the pilot and others helped save 180 souls, while wishing Machchhar a full recovery. 

US President Donald Trump praised Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after the pilot was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Trump said Machchhar was in “very bad shape” but retained enough presence of mind to help prevent an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Recounting details shared with him by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door after being attacked with a knife, then fell back and “scream[ed] for help.” Passengers subsequently managed to overpower the co-pilot and helped ensure the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Trump praised Machchhar’s actions while describing the injured Indian pilot as a hero.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” for his courage during an alleged cockpit attack aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 people, experienced a violent confrontation when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers then helped regain control of the aircraft, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Both pilots were hospitalised; Machchhar was stable, while Saudi authorities arrested the other pilot, according to Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” following the dramatic cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar was stabbed during a confrontation with his co-pilot but resisted, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to intervene, according to the report. His actions were credited with helping prevent a major mid-air disaster. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk. Netanyahu’s praise came after the incident in which the Indian pilot faced the cockpit attack but helped create an opportunity for others aboard the aircraft to intervene and assist during the emergency.

An Indian-origin captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 reportedly fought off his co-pilot during an apparent attempted hijacking on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, preventing the plane from crashing and potentially saving more than 180 people. According to Israel’s YNet News and Channel 12, the captain was stabbed during the confrontation but fought back as the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. The flight was ultimately landed by off-duty pilots travelling among the passengers. Initial reports identified the captain as an Indian individual and said most passengers were Israelis. Israeli officials reportedly described the incident as an attempted “Second 9/11” terror attack. The article does not provide further details about the co-pilot or motive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and key areas in a call on Wednesday. Modi called the discussion “productive,” saying both leaders agreed to maintain close engagement to advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The call came amid heightened trade friction following enactment of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India and China. Modi and Trump discussed regional developments, peace and security. India has flagged concerns over the sanctions legislation, while remaining a buyer of Russian oil.

Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who was injured during a mid-air altercation on a Flydubai flight, has over a decade of experience flying commercial aircraft. Machchhar was the captain of flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot during the flight. Both pilots were taken to hospital after landing. Machchhar joined Flydubai in June 2022 after spending around 11 years working with Indian airline SpiceJet.

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the incident. Machchhar and his co-pilot were taken to hospital. Machchhar, from Mumbai, is a captain with Flydubai and joined the airline in 2022. He earlier worked with SpiceJet for 11 years. Sources said he underwent surgery and is now stable. All passengers and crew were reported safe. The reason for the incident is still under investigation. Israeli officials called it a suspected terror attack, but authorities have not confirmed the motive.