Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Thwarts Hijack Attempt
On September 30, 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar, a 39-year-old pilot for Flydubai, successfully fought off a hijack attempt aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying over 170 passengers and bound for Tel Aviv. During the violent struggle with his copilot, Machchhar was stabbed, and the aircraft plummeted 17,400 feet in under 120 seconds.
The cockpit door opened amid the chaos, allowing passengers to intervene, restrain the attacker, and help regain control of the plane. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where two standby pilots, who were passengers, landed the aircraft safely.
Machchhar suffered "massive blood loss" and underwent surgery but is now reported to be out of danger. His parents traveled from Mumbai to Dubai to support him.
Machchhar previously worked for SpiceJet for 11 years, achieving the rank of Senior Commander, and has over 15 years of aviation experience.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Legit.ng. Read the original report below.
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