Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot flying for flydubai, helped avert a potentially major mid-air disaster after a violent altercation broke out in the cockpit of flight FZ1073.

The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the incident.

The Boeing 737 carried more than 170 passengers. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar and tried to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door and allowed a crew member and passengers to enter. They then restrained the other pilot.

The struggle caused the aircraft to lose altitude sharply before the crew regained control. The flight then diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia and landed safely. Authorities reported that all passengers remained safe, while medical teams treated both pilots. India’s embassy in Riyadh later said Machchhar remained in stable condition.

Machchhar joined flydubai in June 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile, after spending more than a decade with Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet. Reports citing his professional profile state that he has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and nearly 10,000 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft.

Before joining flydubai, Machchhar held several positions at SpiceJet, including line-training captain and senior commander. He joined SpiceJet in 2011 and moved to flydubai in 2022 as a direct-entry captain.

Machchhar initially pursued studies linked to his family’s textile business before choosing aviation as a career. During a podcast, he recalled discovering his interest in flying after attending an aviation-related seminar as part of a management course.

He later completed his pilot training in New Zealand. In the podcast, Machchhar said the training cost around Rs 16-17 lakh. He also recalled that his mother initially worried about his decision to pursue aviation, while his father supported his career choice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar after the incident and called him a “hero” for demonstrating “immense courage” and “unwavering resolve” while protecting the lives of passengers and crew.

Machchhar faced the attack during the flight but continued to act to protect those on board. His actions helped the crew divert the aircraft safely to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.”

“India is proud of Captain Machchhar,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister also wished Machchhar a “speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.”

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar for what he described as “extraordinary bravery” during the incident. Netanyahu said the pilot continued to protect passengers and crew despite suffering serious injuries.

In a statement posted by the Office of the Israeli Prime Minister on X, Netanyahu said Machchhar displayed exceptional courage during the crisis.

“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu said the co-pilot stabbed and seriously injured Machchhar during the incident. Despite his injuries, Machchhar resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to overpower him.

Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions prevented a potentially major aviation disaster.

“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also wished Machchhar a “speedy and full recovery” and called him “a true hero.”