The first image of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking and stabbing Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 has emerged following the dramatic mid-air incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was carrying 174 people when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out inside the cockpit on September 30. Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls, causing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to plunge nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Machchhar, an Indian national and former SpiceJet pilot, was seriously injured during the confrontation. Despite his injuries, he reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and help overpower the alleged attacker. A reserve Flydubai crew travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the plane safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities following the emergency landing. While multiple reports have identified him as an Omani national, details about his name, age, aviation career and personal background have not been publicly disclosed. His motive also remains unclear, with authorities yet to establish what led to the confrontation.
Who is the Omani co-pilot?
According to reports, the attacker was serving as the co-pilot on the flight and was arrested after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Israeli officials have described the incident as a possible attempt to take control of the aircraft, although the circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot was being investigated in Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu also said he did not know the suspect's "exact background". His comments about the possible motive have not been independently established as the conclusion of the investigation.
Flydubai has urged people not to speculate about the cause or motive of the incident while the investigation continues. Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel are examining what happened inside the cockpit and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
What happened inside the cockpit?
The aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a physical confrontation reportedly erupted between the two pilots. Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 MAX 8 losing approximately 14,000 feet in a short period, while emergency signals were transmitted.
Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and allegedly attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls. Despite being injured, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and restrain the attacker.
Other Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped regain control of the plane. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Captain Smit Machchhar's role
Machchhar, an Indian national from Mumbai, joined Flydubai in 2022 after spending more than a decade with SpiceJet. He has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft.
Machchhar was taken to hospital in Tabuk following the incident. According to an update attributed to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, his condition is stable and officials remain in contact with his family. Reports have also said that he underwent surgery after sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
His actions during the incident have drawn praise from Indian and Israeli officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Machchhar's response as courageous, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised his role in helping protect those aboard the aircraft.
The investigation into the cockpit confrontation, the co-pilot's background and the motive behind the attack remains ongoing. Further details are expected as authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel continue their investigation.
