Hero Pilot Fights Off Attacker, Saves 180 on Flight to Israel

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot for Flydubai, is being hailed as a hero after he reportedly fought off his co-pilot who attempted to crash Flight FZ1073 en route from Dubai to Israel on Wednesday. The aircraft, carrying 180 passengers, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. While details remain unclear, passenger accounts suggest Machchhar, despite being seriously injured after being stabbed by the assailant, managed to stabilize the plane after the attempted hijacking. He was the first person off the plane after its safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and was taken for urgent medical treatment along with the attacker. Machchhar, in his thirties, is married with two children and has been with Flydubai for four years, accumulating thousands of flight hours. He previously pursued engineering before discovering his passion for aviation at age 19. In a podcast recorded a year ago, he emphasized the critical role of flight crews in emergencies, stating, "When things go wrong, you need them." Leaders worldwide, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have praised Machchhar's bravery and wished him a speedy recovery. His story has gained global attention, with widespread praise on social media and international news outlets.