Overview
- On September 30 the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv signalled an emergency after a rapid descent and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia following reports that the co‑pilot stabbed the captain.
- Captain Smit Machchhar, despite serious injuries, opened the cockpit door and passengers, crew and fellow pilots helped restrain the alleged attacker, who was detained after the plane landed.
- Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk and the Indian embassy in Riyadh has reported that he remains in stable condition.
- Indian leaders and state governments have publicly praised Machchhar, Gujarat announced a state honour and a reported Rs 25 lakh reward, major temples held special prayers, and EaseMyTrip offered the captain and his family free domestic flights for five years.
- Saudi, UAE and flydubai authorities have opened inquiries into the incident, a development that could prompt reviews of cockpit security, crew vetting and regional investigation jurisdiction.