Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai captain at the centre of a dramatic mid-air incident involving a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has been identified by Israeli media as a pilot of Indian origin.
Machchhar was reportedly involved in a violent confrontation with his co-pilot inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying around 180 passengers. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s operation.
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Machchhar is reported to have fought back and taken steps to prevent the aircraft from being put in danger. The flight subsequently continued towards Tel Aviv, where the co-pilot was reportedly arrested.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot who attacked another pilot and allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft had been arrested, according to the BBC.
Former SpiceJet pilot
Machchhar has extensive experience in commercial aviation. According to details available on his professional profile, he previously worked with SpiceJet before joining Flydubai.
He joined Flydubai in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain. His professional profile indicates that he has more than 13 years of aviation experience.
According to Moneycontrol, Machchhar has accumulated around 9,750 hours of flying experience on Boeing 737 aircraft, including the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8/9.
Before moving to Flydubai, Machchhar spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet. During his tenure, he served as a senior commander and later worked as a Line Training Captain.
His flying record with SpiceJet reportedly includes more than 9,500 hours, with over 6,400 hours logged as pilot-in-command.
His professional expertise includes crew resource management, flight standards, regulatory compliance and Boeing 737 operations.
What happened on the Flydubai flight?
The incident unfolded aboard flight FZ1073 while it was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit, stabbing him during a confrontation.
The situation prompted the aircraft to send emergency signals and alter its course while flying over Saudi Arabia, according to reports surrounding the incident.
Machchhar reportedly managed to prevent the situation from escalating further and continued efforts to protect the passengers and maintain control of the aircraft.
The incident has since triggered an investigation, with Israeli authorities examining what led to the confrontation and whether the incident was an attempted hijacking or had another motive.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, praised the pilot following the incident. Danon described Machchhar as a “heroic” pilot and said he had protected the lives of those aboard the aircraft.
Danon also credited passengers on the flight with showing determination and resourcefulness during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain under investigation, and several details about the sequence of events are still developing.
For now, Machchhar’s aviation background has emerged as a key part of the story, with his years of experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft and serving in senior operational roles highlighting his extensive experience in commercial aviation.
The incident remains a developing story as authorities investigate the alleged cockpit attack and the actions of the co-pilot.
