Story perspectives

Flydubai pilots regain control after co-pilot stabs captain

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 4:24 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Flydubai Pilots Stabilize

Off-duty flydubai pilots seized control of Flight FZ1073 after co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 dropped about 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the attack.
Two flydubai pilots stabilized the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport.
The plane landed safely at 8:44 am local time; all 174 aboard were unharmed.
Saudi authorities arrested the Omani co-pilot, whose motive remains under investigation.

Summary

Machchhar Receives Aid

Medical staff reported Machchhar lost a large amount of blood and required extensive bandaging.
Machchhar’s LinkedIn profile lists nearly 9,750 flight hours and former senior commander roles at SpiceJet.
Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal met Machchhar’s family and pledged government support for his recovery.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan posted on X praising Machchhar and saying he would gladly fly with him.

1 of 2

Flydubai Pilots Stabilize

Off-duty flydubai pilots seized control of Flight FZ1073 after co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 dropped about 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the attack.
Two flydubai pilots stabilized the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport.
The plane landed safely at 8:44 am local time; all 174 aboard were unharmed.
Saudi authorities arrested the Omani co-pilot, whose motive remains under investigation.

1 / 2