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Indian pilot stabbed by co-pilot in mid-air assault receives treatment in Saudi Arabia

Captain Smit Macchhaar, an Indian pilot who was attacked with a knife during a FlyDubai flight, is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy has confirmed his condition is stable and he remains in contact with his family.

LSN India · 1 October 2026

Indian pilot stabbed by co-pilot in mid-air assault receives treatment in Saudi Arabia

Captain Smit Macchhaar is undergoing treatment at a medical facility in Tabuk following an in-flight assault during a FlyDubai flight FZ1073. According to the Indian Embassy, the pilot sustained injuries after being attacked by his co-pilot with a knife during the flight operations. The incident represents a serious breach of aviation safety protocols and crew conduct standards.

Indian diplomatic officials have been monitoring the situation closely and have confirmed that Captain Macchhaar's medical condition remains stable. The Embassy stated that the pilot is maintaining regular contact with his family members in India, who have been informed of the incident and his current status.

The attack aboard the commercial flight has raised concerns about cockpit security measures and crew screening procedures. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault. The FlyDubai incident marks an exceptional breach of safety within the aviation industry, where cockpit protocols are strictly enforced to prevent such occurrences.

Details regarding the co-pilot's identity and the circumstances that led to the attack remain under investigation by relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.