Donald Trump praised Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight.
US President Donald Trump has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot during a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to release the cockpit door, allowing passengers and additional crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Trump Praises Captain Smit Machchhar
Speaking to reporters after discussing the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump praised the Indian captain for retaining the presence of mind to call for help despite being badly injured.
Trump referred to the co-pilot as a “terrorist or perhaps a whack-job,” but acknowledged that his account was based on information received from Netanyahu and had not been independently confirmed.
The co-pilot’s motive remains under investigation. Flydubai has cautioned against premature speculation about the reasons behind the cockpit altercation.
What Happened Aboard Flight FZ1073?
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, carrying approximately 174 people from Dubai to Israel.
According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit and caused the aircraft to descend nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The injured captain managed to activate the cockpit-door release, enabling passengers and crew to intervene.
Two additional Flydubai pilots who were travelling aboard the aircraft then took control and safely landed it at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.
Passengers were later transported to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft. No passenger was reported to have suffered a serious injury.
Captain Machchhar Stable in Saudi Hospital
Captain Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk. Indian officials said he was in stable condition and receiving treatment.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah said they were monitoring his health and providing necessary assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the pilot’s courage, saying Machchhar had demonstrated extraordinary resolve to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured.
Investigation Into Co-Pilot’s Motive Continues
The co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, was taken into Saudi custody. Saudi authorities are expected to investigate the attack and determine whether it was motivated by terrorism, a personal dispute or another factor.
No Saudi, Omani or UAE authority had publicly confirmed a terrorism motive at the time of reporting.
The incident has prompted renewed concerns about cockpit security and internal threats involving airline personnel. Israeli authorities have reportedly tightened checks on pilots operating flights into the country.
Flydubai said the underlying circumstances remained unknown and urged the public to avoid speculation until investigators establish the facts.
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