Indian pilot Smit Machchhar wounded while stopping attempted hijacking of Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv

Captain Smit Machchhar, a 39-year-old Indian pilot, was seriously injured after stabbing himself while defending a Flydubai flight from an assault by the co-pilot. The incident occurred on a flight bound for Tel Aviv with over 170 people on board. During the struggle the cockpit door was opened, allowing passengers to enter, restrain the attacker and take control of the aircraft. The plane descended rapidly before being diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia by two standby pilots who were passengers.

Machchhar sustained massive blood loss and was treated on board by a passenger dentist before being taken to a Saudi hospital, where he remains in stable condition after surgery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot’s actions prevented a large-scale disaster.

Passengers described the moments as chaotic, with one saying they feared they would die as the aircraft dropped 17,400 feet in two minutes. After the attacker was subdued, the flight continued to Saudi Arabia without further incident.

The pilot’s bravery has been praised by officials and the public in both India and Israel. Local residents in Mumbai gathered to honor him, waving Indian flags and expressing pride in his conduct. Former instructors and colleagues highlighted his calm demeanor and professional experience, noting his previous service with SpiceJet and training in New Zealand.

Machchhar, a father of two, previously dealt with an in-flight birth and other routine emergencies during a 15-year flying career. He told a podcast that he feels “blessed” to be a pilot.