Overview
- The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight FZ1073 underwent a rapid descent and diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk after an alleged cockpit attack by the co‑pilot left Captain Smit Machchhar injured and the aircraft landed safely with 174 people aboard.
- Captain Machchhar was reportedly stabbed but managed to open the cockpit so crew and passengers could restrain the assailant, additional flydubai pilots travelling as passengers helped secure the aircraft, and Machchhar is hospitalised in Tabuk in stable condition.
- Indian temples and political leaders have held special prayers and continuous mantra chants for the captain’s recovery, with a high‑profile Mahapuja at Somnath and rituals reported at Kashi Vishwanath and other shrines.
- The Gujarat government announced the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for Machchhar and sources confirmed a Rs 25 lakh cash reward, a move publicised by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and linked to nationwide praise from leaders including the prime minister.
- Authorities are continuing a formal investigation into what prompted the cockpit confrontation and the alleged attack, an inquiry that could prompt new scrutiny of airline cockpit security and crew protocols.