Smit Machchhar showed extraordinary bravery: Kejriwal praises flydubai pilot's heroics
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal praised Captain Smit Machchhar after the flydubai pilot braved a stabbing done by his co-pilot and averted his attempt to crash the plane. Kejriwal said Machchhar showed extraordinary bravery by risking his life to protect the passengers.
Last UpdatedOct 1, 2026 13:03 IST 
Published byAAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for what he described as an act of exceptional courage after the pilot fought off his co-pilot, who tried to crash a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. It later made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals and plunging more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "I am so, so proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. Even with his own life on the line, he saved countless others, showing the world what true Indian courage looks like. It is only fitting that the global community is applauding him today. I join everyone in praying for the speedy recovery of this true hero from our India."
He also said Machchhar showed extraordinary bravery by risking his life to protect many others.
The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, sent out emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk city in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Videos circulated on social media showed the pilot covered in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the aircraft galley.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X, "He is admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health is awaited, but he is reported to be in stable condition."