MODI SPEAKS TO INJURED FLYDUBAI CAPTAIN AS COCKPIT ATTACK INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

October 2, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was injured during a violent confrontation inside the cockpit of a Flydubai passenger aircraft, and wished him a speedy recovery. The conversation came as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the mid-air attack.

Machchhar was commanding Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife while the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia. The confrontation resulted in a dramatic loss of altitude before the captain and other crew members managed to regain control of the aircraft.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 subsequently made an emergency landing at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was carrying more than 170 people, including passengers and crew. Machchhar sustained injuries during the incident and was taken to hospital after landing.

According to accounts of the incident, the captain managed to open the cockpit door during the confrontation, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the alleged attacker. Other pilots who were travelling on the flight also assisted the crew in stabilising the situation.

The incident has triggered investigations by authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Investigators are examining the co-pilot’s background, the circumstances leading to the attack and whether the incident was an isolated act or involved any wider conspiracy.

Israeli officials have described the incident as a possible terrorist attack, while the UAE investigation is examining whether there was any premeditation, external involvement or terrorist connection. No definitive motive or external link has yet been established.

The incident has also prompted renewed attention to cockpit security and procedures for dealing with threats involving flight crew. Machchhar remains under medical care as authorities continue investigating the events that brought the aircraft into an emergency situation.