BY SWATI
New Delhi, October 1, 2026
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has described to Aaj Tak how a Flydubai passenger aircraft was brought under control after a violent incident inside its cockpit, crediting Indian Captain Smit Machar with playing a crucial role in preventing a major disaster.
The incident took place aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the ambassador, Captain Smit was attacked with a knife inside the cockpit. Despite being injured, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the attacker.
Once the situation inside the cockpit was brought under control, other trained pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped take over the flight controls. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft had 174 people on board, according to reports. The incident involved a rapid loss of altitude and emergency signals, triggering an immediate response from aviation authorities.
Ambassador Azar said the exact sequence of events inside the cockpit will become clearer after the investigation and analysis of the aircraft’s black box. He also said Israel’s aviation-security system was immediately activated after the aircraft’s unusual flight path triggered alerts.
Captain Smit Machar is currently receiving medical treatment. Israeli authorities have indicated that his actions will be formally recognised, although no specific award has yet been announced.
