Overview
- The mid‑week attack, which occurred Wednesday on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, left Captain Smit Machchhar wounded after his co‑pilot allegedly stabbed him and forced the plane to descend and divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- The flight transmitted emergency signals and dropped more than 17,000 feet from cruising altitude before making an emergency landing with about 174 passengers on board.
- Machchhar is receiving treatment in the United Arab Emirates and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him by video call, during which the captain described reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while trying to save the aircraft.
- Videos of the injured pilot circulated on social media showing him bloodied and wearing an oxygen mask, which intensified public attention and official tributes from global leaders.
- The episode has become a domestic political flashpoint with BJP leaders publicly attacking Rahul, Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi for an initial lack of immediate personal tributes and Congress spokespeople soon issuing formal praise as inquiries and aviation safety questions continue.