New Delhi, October 3, 2026

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has emerged as the hero of an attempted terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight after UAE investigators said the co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft.

The latest findings have brought greater clarity to the dramatic incident aboard Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. There were 174 passengers and eight crew members on board. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on Saturday that investigations had revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a "terrorist act". According to the UAE account, the co-pilot began executing his plan during the flight. He attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft's flight controls. The disclosure is significant. Until two days ago, UAE authorities had said they were investigating whether the cockpit attack was connected with terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction. The latest finding has now officially identified the incident as an attempted terrorist act. The investigation, however, is not over. Authorities are still examining the motive, possible connections and physical and digital evidence. Final findings will be announced after the investigation is completed.

During the attack, the aircraft went into a steep descent. It plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Machchhar was seriously wounded and fell to the cockpit floor. But he remained conscious of what was happening to the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew then entered and overpowered the attacker. Two other flydubai pilots travelling on the aircraft took control and eventually landed it safely in Tabuk.

The captain later recalled those moments during an emotional video conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi. Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience immediately told him that the aircraft was going down. He recalled telling himself that the cockpit door was close and he had to open it. "I managed to do it and people entered," he said. Machchhar also told the Prime Minister that he drew strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his courage, patience and presence of mind. He said the captain had put the safety of his passengers before his own life despite suffering severe injuries. "Today the entire country can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives, we are people who save lives," the Prime Minister said. He also thanked Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the medical care given to Machchhar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Indian captain as a "true hero" and thanked him for his role in saving those on board. Israeli officials said his action in opening the cockpit door gave passengers and crew the opportunity to intervene.

US President Donald Trump also praised Machchhar as a hero after discussing the incident with Netanyahu. The episode has since drawn international attention to both the captain's courage and the security questions surrounding the attack.

Back home, the Federation of Indian Pilots has written to the Prime Minister's Office seeking a National Bravery Award for Machchhar. The pilots' body described his actions as showing extraordinary courage and devotion to duty.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has separately praised Machchhar, the crew and passengers for their quick response. It said their intervention helped prevent more serious consequences. Machchhar is now recovering in the UAE.

Investigators still have to establish the complete motive behind the attack and whether the co-pilot acted alone or had any outside links. But one part of the story is already clear. Badly wounded and with the aircraft rapidly losing altitude, an Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door. That gave others the chance to intervene and helped bring 182 people safely back to the ground.