FlyDubai incident live: Indian pilot praised for averting 9/11-type attack as co-pilot mystery deepens

MUMBAI, 2 OCTOBER 2026 —

Indian Pilot’s Heroic Struggle Averts 9/11-Style Air Disaster as Co-Pilot’s Motives Remain a Mystery

The incident—where he fought off his co-pilot in a violent struggle, suffered serious injuries, and managed to open the cockpit door—prevented what Israeli and Saudi officials described as a potential "9/11-style attack," saving the lives of all 174 passengers, including 27 children and 166 Israeli citizens.

The crisis unfolded when the co-pilot, whose identity and motives remain undisclosed, allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to sabotage the aircraft’s systems, sending the Boeing 737 into a dangerous descent. Machchhar’s quick thinking—despite being stabbed and bleeding heavily—allowed passengers and crew to overpower the attacker, while two other FlyDubai pilots, who were passengers on the flight, helped stabilize and land the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft was later evacuated, and all passengers were safely flown to Tel Aviv on a rescue flight.

Machchhar’s actions have drawn global praise, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a "HERO" and expressing pride in his "immense courage and unwavering resolve." Modi, who spoke to Machchhar’s family, said his bravery had averted "a great tragedy," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as a "true hero" who "saved the lives of 174 people." Netanyahu added that the attacker had been arrested by Saudi authorities and was being questioned, though no official statement on his identity or possible motives has been released.

The incident has reignited questions about aviation security, particularly the protocols in place to prevent single-pilot sabotage. While FlyDubai confirmed an "altercation" occurred and all passengers and crew were safe, Saudi authorities reported that both pilots were injured and taken to hospital. Machchhar, who remains in critical condition, was seen in videos circulating on social media covered in blood, wearing an oxygen mask, and lying on the cockpit floor after the struggle.

His condition has not been publicly updated, though Indian and Israeli officials have expressed hope for his recovery.

Machchhar’s background contrasts sharply with the dramatic events of Wednesday. Unlike many pilots who dream of flying from childhood, he initially pursued textile engineering and management studies before an aviation seminar at Mumbai’s Welingkar Institute of Management sparked his passion at age 19. His mother reportedly opposed his career choice, but he trained in New Zealand before joining SpiceJet in India, where he spent over a decade rising to become a line training captain.

He later moved to FlyDubai in 2022, accumulating nearly 9,750 flying hours over his 15-year career.

Neighbors and friends in Mumbai, where his parents reside, described him as a "soft-spoken, helpful, and always smiling" man who remained calm under pressure. Akshay Doshi, who has known Machchhar for 15 years, said his bravery came as no surprise. "We did not expect any less from him—it did not come as a surprise," Doshi told AFP. Another neighbor, Laxmikant Joshi, added, "He saved lives when he was in danger.

And in the air when he was controlling the plane and suffering injuries!" Pratik Gandhi, a longtime friend, recalled Machchhar’s composure since childhood, noting that even as a boy, he handled mischief with quiet resolve—a trait that likely served him well in Wednesday’s crisis.

The incident has also drawn comparisons to the 9/11 attacks, where hijacked aircraft were deliberately crashed. Netanyahu’s description of the attempted sabotage as a "9/11-style attack" underscores the gravity of the situation, though authorities have not confirmed whether the co-pilot’s actions were premeditated or linked to extremism. Saudi officials have not released details on the attacker’s identity or possible affiliations, leaving his motives speculative.

Videos showing the bloodied cockpit and Machchhar’s injuries have fueled theories, but no official statement has linked the attack to terrorism.

The regional aviation community is now scrutinizing cockpit security measures, particularly the lack of a third crew member on commercial flights—a standard in some airlines to prevent single-pilot sabotage. While FlyDubai and other budget carriers operate with two pilots, the incident has raised questions about whether additional safeguards are needed. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional aviation bodies are likely to review protocols, though no immediate changes have been announced.

For now, the focus remains on Machchhar’s recovery and the investigation into the co-pilot’s actions. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the attacker had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities, but no further details have been disclosed. The Israeli government has offered its full support to the investigation, with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana calling Machchhar’s actions "extraordinary courage" and expressing solidarity with his family.

As the world reflects on the near-disaster, Machchhar’s story stands as a testament to human resilience. His ability to act decisively despite severe injuries has earned him comparisons to aviation legends, while his humility—keeping his passion for flying private—adds a layer of intrigue to his sudden rise to global recognition.

The mystery surrounding the co-pilot’s identity and intentions, however, lingers, leaving aviation authorities and passengers alike to grapple with the unsettling question of how such an attack could have been prevented.

Related: FlyDubai